Joseph Smith’s Personality
2 Nephi 15:21; “Wo unto the wise in their own eyes and prudent in their own sight!”
Times and Seasons 5:614-617; “…No man can learn you more than what I have told you…I have been reading the German and find it to be the most correct…I know more than all the world put together, (pg 614 – 1st paragraph) and the Holy Ghost within me comprehends more than all the world…I have now preached a little Latin, a little Hebrew, Greek and German, and I have fulfilled all. I am not so big a fool as many have taken me to be. The Germans know that I read the German correct. (pg 617 – 2nd paragraph)…”
http://www.centerplace.org/history/ts/v5n15.htm
We’re taking another look at Joseph’s view of himself. This time we’re comparing it to what the Book of Mormon says.
We have to ask; didn’t Smith read his own writings and what would Nephi think?
Are these really the words of a man filled with the Holy Spirit who is the one that produces good fruits?
We’re told in Galatians 5:22-23 the fruits of the Spirit are peace, love, joy, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance. The Greek word for meekness is praotes which in the English means humility.
This makes my heart hurt for the millions of Mormons who’ve revered this man. They’ve become so enamored by him that they’ll refer to him by first name only or refuse outside counsel of the dangers. And I know this from personal experience. I too would refer to him as Joseph and never dreamt of calling on the name of Jesus.
We’re not here to demean or derail Mr. Smith so I don’t want it to come across as if this is a Smith bashing session. However God speaks to us even today through His word and we use what God has said as our guide. If someone’s words don’t align with God’s directives we’re to disregard the message (Deut. 18:20-22). This is the way God protects us from those who aren’t from Him. The traditions of man are a strong pull, but nothing is as strong or comforting as God’s love for us.
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