A fervent and faithful
disciple of
Jesus Christ, Joseph Smith "lived great . . . in the eyes of
God and his people." While the teachings of the Lord
Jesus Christ were lost upon the modern world, they were not
lost on the young prophet. "I will always maintain a
true principle," he taught, "even if I stand alone in
it." His
devotion to God continues to be an example to all.
As the Restoration unfolded, the Lord's
kingdom on earth required the minds and hearts of the
people. Joseph taught, "A good man will endure all things to
honor Christ."
He counseled, "Be faithful in the discharge of every
duty" and
search your soul to see if "the kingdom of God is within
you." "If
you wish to go where God is," he admonished, "you must be
like God."
To be disciples of the
Lord in the latter days, our eyes must be single
to His glory, our minds enlightened by "the
testimony of Jesus," and our hearts pure and consecrated.
disciple
A follower of Jesus Christ who lives according to Christ's teachings (see D&C 41:5; The Guide to the Scriptures, "Disciple," 66–67).
prophet
A person who has been called by and speaks for God. As a messenger of God, a prophet receives commandments, prophecies, and revelations from God. His responsibility is to make known God's will and true character to mankind and to show the meaning of His dealings with them. His primary responsibility is to bear witness of Christ. (The Guide to the Scriptures, "Prophet," 201–202).
restoration
The Restoration, as used by Latter-day Saints, means that the true Church of Jesus Christ, which was lost through apostasy, was brought back as it originally existed when organized by Jesus Christ (Preach My Gospel, 44).
kingdom of God
The kingdom of God on earth is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (see D&C 65). The purpose of the Church is to prepare its members to live forever in the celestial kingdom or kingdom of heaven (The Guide to the Scriptures, "Kingdom of God or Kingdom of Heaven," 142).
latter days
The time in which we now live. The days (or dispensation of time) just before the Second Coming of the Lord (The Guide to the Scriptures, "Last Days, Latter Days," 145–46).
