Joseph Smith was
a remarkable leader. He served as President of The
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; mayor of
Nauvoo, one of the largest cities in Illinois;
lieutenant-general of the Nauvoo Legion; and in 1844
he was a candidate for President of the United States.
What set Joseph
Smith apart from other dynamic leaders was the source of
his teachings: the God of Heaven. "The best way to obtain
truth and
wisdom," he taught, "is not to ask it from books, but
to go to God in prayer, and obtain divine
teaching."
Joseph led with
love. He recognized the worth of every soul as a child of
God. When asked why so many followed him, he replied: "It is
because I possess the principle of love. All I can
offer the world is a good heart and a good
hand."
The Prophet
refused to place himself above others. Rather, as he humbly
said, "I love to wait upon the Saints, and be a servant to
all, hoping that I may be exalted in the due time of
the Lord."
Bereft of pride, Joseph personified the
Lord's counsel: "Whosoever will be great among you, .
. . shall be servant of all."
truth
"Truth is knowledge of things as they are, and as they were, and as they are to come; and whatsoever is more or less than this is the spirit of that wicked one who was a liar from the beginning" (D&C 93:24–25).
pride
Arrogance, conceit, and self-importance. A proud person follows his own will rather than God's will. Pride sets people against one another and against God.
