TheDiscipleMD
Found in the history of Joseph Smith, proclaimed modern day prophet, is found this quote:
“He called me by name, and said unto me that he was a messenger sent from the presence of God to me, and that his name was Moroni; that God had a work for me to do; and that my name should be had for good and evil among all nations, kindreds, and tongues, or that it should be both good and evil spoken of among all people.”
This statement has brought me to deep reflection time and time again. Recorded in 1838 on an event that was reported to have happened in 1823, this declaration, be it from an angel or, as some would believe, concocted from his own mind, stands as a testament to the truthfulness of what, seemed at the time, preposterous! Because either way, this ‘prophecy’ has come true! His name certainly is known for good and evil among all nations, kindreds, and tongues. For millions, his name stands as a monument to those who believe in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.
The Savior gave a litmus test as to the goodness of anything when he taught in Matthew:
“Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit.” (12:33)
Christ repeated this charge over and over in all of the gospels.
Joseph Smith Jr. said:
“You don’t know me; you never knew my heart. No man knows my history. I cannot tell it: I shall never undertake it. I don’t blame any one for not believing my history. If I had not experienced what I have, I would not have believed it myself. I never did harm any man since I was born in the world. My voice is always for peace.”
Joseph Smith was right. I never will know his heart, nor will anyone else. But as a lifelong practicing member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, my personal experience has been that the fruit of which I have tasted, has been delicious! And all I can do is repeat the charge of the Savior, “by their fruits you shall know them”…and…also get a glimpse into their hearts!