Source: Willard Richards Pocket Companion
The Words of Joseph Smith: Page 11
Why I Choose this Quote?
I liked this quote because it reminds me that the Gospel of Jesus Christ can be, and generally is, home to people of a wide variety of cultures, talents, preferences, and interests. It reminds me within the gospel net you will find good people of varying professions, lifestyles, and political views. And while those differences exists, we can still be unified in Christ and have our “hearts knit together in unity and in love one towards another” (Mosiah 18:21).
Additional Context
Brother Andrew Ehat points out that this statement from Joseph Smith is very similar to a statement made by the Savior in Matthew chapter 13, verses 47 – 49:
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind: Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away. So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just.”
This certainly adds new light and perspective to the Joseph Smith quote. This makes me want to be more patient and tolerant of the imperfections in the Church. People of every variety are being gathered into the Church, and people are imperfect. But it’s not for me to judge. Eventually the Lord will sift through the catch. He’ll cast away the bad and gather the good unto himself.
This new light also serves as a reminder that though many are called, not all are chosen (D&C 121:34 and Matt 20:16). This applies even to those who have been gathered into the restored gospel net.
