Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Apostle, 2004–present
Testimony of Joseph Smith
“Our own prospects for eternal advancement are closely influenced by learning to put in the center of our motives a very personal testimony of the Savior Jesus Christ and His restored gospel. The Prophet Joseph Smith declared, ‘The fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the Apostles and Prophets, concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it’ (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith [1976], 121).
“How did the young Prophet Joseph Smith arrive at his strong testimony? How did he manage this great transition from a farm boy to a prophet of the Lord, to a civic leader, to a man of God? . . .
“During his transition time, the Prophet Joseph Smith worked hard; he did not idle away his time and did not bury his talents because of the fear of man. He had pure, noble motives. He had faith, prayed and studied, repented, showed good works, was obedient, and relied on the Holy Ghost. He was therefore taught from on high” (“Making Choices for Eternity,” Ensign, Oct. 2002, 28–29).