Discipleship

We have just finished a 6-week effort at Ward Conference where our presidency spoke to the Elder’s Quorum twice each Sunday on the topic of Discipleship.  I was intrigued yesterday at Leslie’s comment that she listened to conference for the topic of discipleship.  I’m afraid I was listening “for guidance on our assigned topic.”  I don’t know if there is a difference.  Anyway, as I was reading a conference talk by Pres. Uchtdorf this morning, I did notice he mentioned discipleship.  It is comforting to know the things I spoke about – and that we mentioned as a presidency, were covered in his talk.

Discipleship is about doing and becoming.  As we do the things our Savior has asked us to do, we will become like him.  We will be molded into a true disciple of our Savior Jesus Christ.  As we pursue holiness, we will also be pursuing happiness.  “It is the path to our best and happiest self.” 

I’ve enjoyed my focus on discipleship the last few months.  It has become part of my personal memory bank now.  I love to study a topic – especially for a lengthier period of time.  As I do so, it seems to show up frequently in my other study as well. 

We told the men it is in serving the Lord that they will be guided in their efforts to find their eternal companions.  It is in being on the path of discipleship that will allow them to be ready when this happens.  It is in setting righteous examples for others on their paths that they will find the joy that comes in helping another and be on that path of “becoming”, as Pres. Uchtdorf said. 

Is being a disciple of Jesus Christ a declaration or a process?  At what point do we say, “I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the son of God. . .” (3 Nephi 5:13)?  As I said in my talk, I believe it is a process.  The more we do, the more we become.  It is what we are doing that will mold the person we will be tomorrow.  In keeping the commandments, serving diligently and faithfully in our assigned callings as well as in our roles as mothers, daughters, or whatever it is we are, we become more like our Savior and can claim to be his disciple.  It is not as much a declaration – though that is important to do, as it is a process of becoming.  It is the daily act of desiring to be a disciple that we can make that declaration.

So my marching orders for this day.  Keep on doing and becoming.  Look for ways to emulate the behavior of my Savior, i.e. serve others, be kind and love.  Hmmm, how about the purposes of Relief Society, which are:  Increase in faith and personal righteousness, strengthen my home and family, and seek out and serve others.