There are a few things that I find interesting about the experiences Joseph Smith had in the event of losing the first translated portion of the gold plates. After praying multiple times about Martin Harris's request to take the first 116 pages of manuscript home to show his wife, Joseph did not receive a direct answer of "no" and allowed him to take them. The Lord was not pleased with Joseph's decision and rebuked him. An account of this rebuke is recorded in the Doctrine and Covenants, chapter 3.
I appreciate this chapter because it show Joseph Smith in the early stages of his ministry. He was persuaded by the requests of man and caved when persistent effort was made to disobey his previous revelation. He made a mistake and the Lord chastises him by saying, "you should not have feared man more than God". I think this principle applies to each of us today. How often do we "set at naught the counsels of God" and follow the ways of the world? How often do we seek to please man rather than the Great Creator, our God? I have a testimony that God allows us to make mistakes so that we can learn from them. Here is a perfect example of a mistake that Joseph made where he was able to learn the importance of following the counsel of God before any other person. I believe this had a great impact on him in preparing him for the remainder of his church leadership. He knew from this point on that he could not disregard what had been said by God. No matter what anyone else desired, if it did not align with the dictates of God, their request was not going to be satisfied. I desire to apply this to me life. I know that when I do all I can to follow Heavenly Fathers counsel given to me, I am exceedingly happier than when I give in to the demands of others.
Another interesting point that I discovered in my reading was the fact that after the manuscript had been lost, those who had taken it were making adjustments to the text. Isn't it interesting that they were altering it when they claimed not to believe? Deep inside their hearts they must have known that Joseph would be able to translate the text exactly the same way he had previously. The purpose behind their alterations was to prove to the people that he did not have the power to translate ancient texts. Obviously, they knew he could do it again, or they wouldn't change it. Satan is so sneaky in manipulating the minds of people. The most interesting part is that those who are manipulated have no idea that they are being so irrational and illogical. I find that in our day Satan is still twisting the mindset of others by leading them to fight against the truth by showing that they believe the truth. I encourage those who read this to seek for further examples of this happening today.
I know that Jesus Christ lives today! I know that he always prepares a way to redeem us from our mistakes and the mistakes of others. For that, I am so grateful. The Church of Jesus Christ is the only true church of God on the earth! I know that God knows what is best for each of His children and He will inspire us to make wise choices throughout our lives. It is by satisfying His requests that we will be most happy in this life.
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