D&C 3

Paul taught Timothy -

"Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity." (New Testament 1 Timothy 4:12)

"Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
15 Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.
16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee." (New Testament 1 Timothy 4:14 - 16)

Like Timothy, Joseph Smith was yet young as he obeyed the Lord in translating the Book of Mormon. He may have felt quite intimidated as Martin Harris, some twenty years older, pressed upon him to let him take the first 116 pages of translation of the golden record. I'm sure Joseph did not want to disappoint his supporting friend. The loss though of theses pages must have left a lasting impression in the many conflicts the Prophet experienced during the rest of his life. How painful it must have been as the Lord responded to the inquiry of the Prophet -

"Remember, remember that it is not the work of God that is frustrated, but the work of men;
4 For although a man may have many revelations, and have power to do many mighty works, yet if he boasts in his own strength, and sets at naught the counsels of God, and follows after the dictates of his own will and carnal desires, he must fall..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 3:3 - 4)

"...how oft you have transgressed the commandments and the laws of God, and have gone on in the persuasions of men.
7 For, behold, you should not have feared man more than God..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 3:6 - 7)

"For thou hast suffered the counsel of thy director to be trampled upon from the beginning." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 3:15)

These words should be sobering to us all in callings and responsibilities. You can imagine the joy and relief of the Prophet as the Lord says with mercy -

"...thou wast chosen to do the work of the Lord, but because of transgression, if thou art not aware thou wilt fall.
10 But remember, God is merciful; therefore, repent of that which thou hast done which is contrary to the commandment which I gave you, and thou art still chosen, and art again called to the work..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 3:9 - 10)

I believe this same blessing may be extended to all if we repent in that which we have done contrary to His commandments.