Zoroastrianism is the religion of ancient Persia. It is the second oldest monotheistic religion, after Judaism. It was founded about 1000 B.C. by the prophet Zoroaster (Zarathushtra). Zoroastrians worship the “one universal, transcendent, all-good, and uncreated supreme creator deity, Ahura Mazda, or the ‘Wise Lord.’”
The official motto of Zoroastrianism is “Good Thoughts, Good Words, Good Deeds.” The motto is sometimes rendered, “Worthy Thoughts, Worthy Words, Worthy Deeds.”
I rode my bike to work as a young D.A. (We were poor and only had one car.) Every day I peddled past the Westminster California Zoroastrian Center. High atop the face of temple were the large words: “Good Thoughts, Good Words, Good Deeds.”
Zoroastrian priests teach that there are three judgments in the hereafter.
First, we are judged by our works and deeds. If we pass this judgment, we move on to the second and harder judgment. We are judged by our words. If we pass this judgement, then we move on to the third, final, and hardest judgement of all. We are judged by our thoughts.
These priests also teach that the words in the official motto are reversed for a reason. Good/worthy thoughts lead to good/worthy words, and good/worthy words lead to good/worthy deeds.
Since Zoroastrianism was widespread in the Middle East at the time Lehi left Jerusalem, it is likely that he was familiar with the religion.
Mosiah 4:30 is one of my “favorite scripture gems,” in part, because it embodies the motto of Zorastrianism. Significantly, the words in the verse are in the same order as the motto.
Mosiah 4:30 is also one of my “favorite scripture gems” because of the profound doctrine.
“But this much I can tell you, that if ye do not watch yourselves, and your thoughts, and your words, and your deeds, and observe the commandments of God, and continue in the faith . . . unto the end of your lives, ye must perish. O man, remember, and perish not.”
This verse could be the basis for several sermons.
It is inconceivable the Joseph Smith studied, or even knew about, Zoroastrianism. Yet, this verse embodies the motto of Zoroastrianism.
(Other “Sunday Sermons” go to londonedition.home.blog or http://www.londonedition.net)
The London Edition 
I like the thought that the Lord leaked a peak of gospel fullness to the early Zoroastrians — rays of light from over the horizon before the gospel sun itself rose.
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