TWENTY
(1825)
Joseph’s training continued. He shared only some specifics with his family. Because his training
was in secret, allegations of “laziness” developed. Joseph learned more about the purpose of
this mortal probation and later provided details in the endowment.The role given to Joseph was one of the most important responsibilities ever
entrusted to a fully mortal person upon this earth. Because of its profound importance,
Joseph’s training for the role during his teenage years was essential. Every aspect of
what he did was overseen^1 by the human being responsible (our Christ) for ensuring
that all of us come away from our experiences on this earth with what was intended for
each of us.^2
As mentioned throughout this biography, and which will be reiterated continually,
the overall purpose of having advanced humans go through a less-advanced, imperfect
experience is to prove the potential of their free will. Free will distinguishes humans from
all other life forms. It is what makes humans the ultimate and most advanced entity of all
living or nonliving organisms in the Universe.^3 Humans have the ability to make
conscious choices to do good things that enhance and complement their joy (the feeling of
happiness and satisfaction), or bad things that take away from this joy (sadness and
negative emotions).^4
Our Day of Probation
Joseph was taught that mortality is a “day of probation,”^5 wherein natural human
reaction to free will is proven. As mortals, humans are subjected to a critical examination and
evaluation of their own actions.^6 Mortality is a period of testing and trial to ascertain what
these actions will be, with each person being allowed to exercise their free will unrestricted
by our creators.^7 Living in an advanced world,^8 free will is subjected to the laws and
environment of that perfect world. If a human being is placed in a world where there are no
laws and in an environment that is completely opposite of an advanced human world,^9
while at same time being allowed to retain the power of unrestricted free will, then the
“probation” of that person becomes who that individual really is. If left to themselves, what
laws would humans establish for themselves? What kind of environment would they desire
and attempt to create?
For those who subscribe to religion, most believe that life is a test (probation) to see
whether we will do good or bad; then based on our actions, we will be rewarded or
punished accordingly. Joseph learned that many times throughout the history of the earth,
people have done what they thought was good (“good cometh of God”) when in reality it
was bad (“evil cometh of the devil”).^10 Thus, the Book of Mormon warns its readers to “take
heed...that ye do not judge that which is evil to be of God, or that which is good and of God
to be of the devil.”^11 It also teaches that everyone has the ability to “know good from evil”
because everyone was given “the Spirit of Christ.”^12