When does a prophet become a prophet?
What does that question really mean?
We know about both the ancient and
modern processes God uses to select wise, righteous men as prophets.
First he tests them, then he calls them, almost always through some
kind of personal visitation; Lehi had dreams, and Joseph Smith
experienced visions. I have no doubt that our modern prophets were
chosen and called through similar experiences; it doesn't seem
possible to bear a personal witness of the Savior unless you've had
one yourself. Prophets are not about to throw pearls before swine,
however, by revealling the glorious details of their own personal
witness. The Lord expects us to strive to feel the quiet influence of
the Holy Ghost witnessing to our spiritual senses that a prophet
knows our Heavenly Father and His Son on a personal level.
Even if we believe the explanation
above to be logical and right, it doesn't help us much in knowing how
and when prophet becomes a prophet. Lehi and Joseph Smith were not
prophets before they became prophets- they were just regular guys
like you and me, trying to make a living in this world while
searching for truth. Are you thoroughly confused yet?
If you are, it's because I left out a
critical word in my question. I really meant to ask “when does a
prophet become YOUR prophet?” That is, when does your knowledge of
a particular prophet's life, words, and work go beyond mere awareness
and belief, and extends to a personal spiritual witness that is
indelibly written in the tablets of your heart?
I am somewhat ashamed to admit that up
until a few days ago, I knew that President Monson was a prophet,
but I didn't know that he was MY prophet. His life, words, and works
had always impressed me, ever since I was old enough as a youth to
appreciate the legendary accounts of his faithful service as a young
bishop of a huge ward with overwhelming welfare needs. I liked his
talks in General Conference, and often felt moved to act by his words
of encouragement. I knew him to be a great man of God worthy of my
emulation and respect, but still something was missing.
Then it happened a week ago. Words
cannot do justice to what happened; I implore you to read between the
lines from here on out and seek to feel the spirit that accompanies
these words. During one of my morning drives to work I was listening
to the March audio Ensign article about the sister who wrote
President Monson's biography. I was more than informed and
entertained by stories of his dedicated life and how they made it to
print. I was more than encouraged and inspired by descriptions of
his positive outlook on life and his willingness to be constantly
engaged in lifting the hearts and souls of the temporally and
spiritually downtrodden. I was filled with the Holy Ghost which bore
a personal witness to me that Thomas S. Monson is a prophet of God,
chosen by Him in this generation in time to lead mankind back to Him.
He has to be the happiest man on earth because he is so wholly,
humbly dedicated to serving others. I am proud to say that President
Monson is now my prophet.
Who is your prophet?
I was watching Pres. Hinckley's funeral on TV. At the end of the service, the camera focused on Pres. Monson's back as he joined up with his wife and walked off the stage of the Conference Center. Right then I felt a powerful witness from the Spirit. In my mind I heard the words, "There goes the prophet of God." Although he was not ordained by the Quorum of the Twelve until a few days later, Pres. Monson has been MY prophet since I had that experience.
ReplyDeleteScott,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comments.