The Power of the Humble

Smart people rule the world.  Leaders from every country are often some of the most intelligent.  They've had successful careers as lawyers or business men.  Their money gave them power and their well-planned words wooed those that agree and impress the ones that don't understand.  Nobody will trust a high-school dropout to run their company.  So, why then, do the Mormons stake the integrity of their religious beliefs on a young man that nothing more than a 3rd grade education?  People find it impossible that we can believe a man that says he translated an ancient record.  But really, it's less believable that a man of Joseph Smith's academic prowess could translate it by himself.  Those he dictated to said he couldn't pronounce most of the words he was reading, so he had to spell them.  His family was not known for their socioeconomic status.  They were poor farmers.  They made ends meet, but like many families of that day, lacked everything sufficient for what we might consider a comfortable lifestyle.  Joseph Smith did run for president of the United States, but he did not ever pursue such a career like those of our political and societal leaders today.  His satisfaction came from sharing his experiences and the restored gospel with others.  His life epitomized Christlike service.  He wasn't perfect, but he did everything he could to help.  Even to those who didn't frequent his sermons, he extended a gentle and serving hand.  By his fruits and his words, he was accepted and recognized as a prophet.  Joseph Smith, like Christ, was not born a king.  Similarly, their missions correlated.  Joseph Smith restored the gospel of Jesus Christ to the state it was when Christ himself taught.  We do not worship him, but we respect him.  His selfless service paved the way for many people to find the gospel of Jesus Christ.  A man from humble circumstances started what now, 200 years later, is a global church.  A collection of principles that have changed many lives...including my own.  Joseph Smith's example and work has helped shape me into the man I am today, and I am so grateful for the knowledge I have that Christ's pure gospel is again taught by his prophets today.  And, if you don't know what I'm talking about, check it out.  mormon.org  You won't be disappointed.