Precious and Few

by | Jul 25, 2023

photo of Joseph Smith

Authentic Joseph Smith (No. 20)

Part of the Joseph Smith, Jr. Series

All blue quotes by Joseph Smith (unless otherwise noted).

Diary of Willard Richards, April 13, 1843


The Man Is Based

Just found this quote today. The eloquence and strength of character embedded in these words immediately moved me. Could this be Joseph Smith’s secret code to being a great leader in the eyes of Heaven?

I am your servant & it is only through the Holy Ghost that I can do you good. God is able to do his own work. [God can do it without me.]

We do not present ourselves before you as anything but your humble servants. Willing to spend & be spent in your services.

spend: to exhaust of strength; to harass; to fatigue -their bodies spent with long labor and thirst (from Webster’s 1828 Dictionary).

As I read through the Joseph Smith Papers, I am in awe at how much this man moved about doing good. Meaning how much he accomplished and how much time and effort he put into other people’s welfare. It flowed like a river.

How Many?

How many Church leaders in your lifetime have you come to know personally – who could fit his simple formula? “Willing to spend and be spent in your services.”

They are precious and few.

Hence many are called, but few are chosen. (Doctrine and Covenants 121:40)

Thank you, Joseph, for your inspired legacy.

Author’s Notes

The Joseph Smith Series comes from, in part, a book called “The Words of Joseph Smith.”

Note: usually, the book costs a small fortune ($150-$250) because it is out of print. But I found it for free at the BYU Religious Studies Center. (Thank you, BYU)

(P.S. I receive no compensation for any recommendations)

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