Joseph Smith founded The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (which is often called the Mormon Church because of our belief in The Book of Mormon, a book of scripture used as companion to the Bible). As a member of said church, I believe that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God who was used by God to bring the true church of Christ back to the earth. He saw God the Father and Jesus Christ in vision as a young man. He translated The Book of Mormon from golden plates that he was guided to by an angel of God. I believe all these things about Joseph Smith.
But to me, the most amazing thing about Joseph Smith is that he was an imperfect human being. Sometimes people get a picture of prophets as infallible people who can never make a mistake–which is strange considering such an idea is not found in the Bible. Peter denied Christ three times. Jonah tried to run away so he wouldn’t have to preach to the people of Nineveh. Moses disobeyed God’s instructions on bringing forth water from the rock and was later chastened. Prophets have never been perfect, but God uses them to do some very great things.
Joseph Smith was no exception. He made mistakes, just like every human makes mistakes, but God used him to bring forth His true church on the earth and to establish the last dispensation, the dispensation of the fullness of times. This is truly amazing to me.
I love that Joseph Smith wasn’t perfect. I love that he was the vessel in God’s hands used to bring back the true church. It gives me great hope for myself. That even though I’m not perfect, I can be of use to God in doing good things on earth.
This article was written by Connie, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.