Discipleship: Following in the Savior's Footsteps

There are things we do because we have to, things we do because we are expected to, and things we do because we want to. Where does service fall in this continuum? Sometimes, I think, it happens because of all three.

When we are facing difficult challenges in our lives, or are in desperate need of a blessing from God it is appropriate to reach out to others. We give a piece of ourselves away, because we are asking the Lord to fill an even larger void. It may be a “have to” for us. We may give up the bonus check we’d been counting on so that a child can get braces to help them feel better about themselves. There are plenty of reasons service can occasionally be a “have to”.

Sometimes service comes from an expectation. Our friend calls with a need and we help, not necessarily because we have the time or feel a significant inner pull to do so, but because someone is counting on us.

In the best instances, we do it because we want to. We do it out of love.

Often, our motivations can change mid-stream. Beginning may have purely selfish motives, but the service softens and transforms our heart. No matter how it starts, service can be some of the sweetest experiences we will have on this earth. Those are the times we should seek out. When service comes from our very souls and we begin to understand the unconditional love of the Savior. We become more like Him.

So, the question becomes: how can we strive for this type of service more often? How do we draw closer to Him by reaching out to our fellow man?

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is an organization made up of volunteers, so there are a lot of opportunities to serve others within the church. Though this is not the only place we choose to volunteer, it generally offers ample and frequent opportunities to forget ourselves and serve the Lord. When we are asked by our leaders to fulfill some responsibility within the church it is generally referred to as receiving a calling, or in other words God is extending a call for us to serve Him.

Sometimes it’s something that seems small and easy for us to accomplish. Other times it seems to be something far beyond our capabilities. In any case, the most crucial part of accepting a call is confirming with the Lord, why He has chosen you to serve. The reasons behind our service can run the gamut of intentions, just like any other act of kindness. But, it’s always best if we turn ourselves over to the Lord, place ourselves in His hands and ask Him to help us do what He has asked.

No matter the task, when we invite the Lord into our heart and soul it will always end up being a service of love that draws us closer to the Savior. No matter the opportunity, place the Lord and the other person above yourself. Find out from Him how best to be His instrument. Then tune your spirit to listen for His guidance. The Savior’s love will flow through your soul and touch the heart of another. You’ll both grow in His love. And that’s what discipleship is all about.

I’ve been thinking today of a parable the Savior told.

John 10:1-7 – Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.

But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.

To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.

And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow: for they know his voice.

And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.

This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them.

Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep.

John 10:27 – My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

I’ve been thinking about hearing the Savior’s voice, knowing Him, and following Him with full faith. I’ve been wondering how often I let other voices sneak into my life that try to distract me from my Master. I’ve been praying for the strength to know the difference and “follow not the stranger”. I want to always be found in the Good Shepherd’s fold. I want to always be one of His lambs. I can’t think of a better place to be. That is a disciple’s true desire: to emulate and follow Christ by coming to know Him personally, to understand who He is and what we mean to Him.

His voice will always lead us to do good, to feel the comfort and safety of His love even in the darkest hours of our lives. We find it in the scriptures as we read and study him . It’s in the inspiring words of those in our congregations and families. It’s there in the smile and wave from a neighbor. The freshly fallen snow, the blossoms in spring, the cry of a newborn, all testify of Him. Are we listening?

I think of the story of Elijah from the Old Testament, when he is called to the mount to stand before the Lord. A strong wind comes, but the Lord was not in it. An earthquake comes, but the Lord was not in it. Fire comes, but the Lord was not it. Then, Elijah hears the still small voice of the Lord. Sometimes we forget the part of the story that explains the Lord came with the wind and the earthquake and fire, but it was not until there were no distractions that Elijah recognized His presence and heard His voice.

1 Kings 19:12 – And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord. And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake:
And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice

It may not be strictly true, but I wonder sometimes if the Lord had to send the large and noticeable things in order to get Elijah’s attention, to help him focus and really hear what the Lord had to tell Him. I also wonder if this same thing happens in my own life. Have there been times when I’ve been called to come closer to the Lord, but He has needed to use something large to get my attention and humble me so that I am ready to listen?

How many times during the day do I miss the ways the Good Shepherd calls to me? What does it take for me to hear those calls? It takes awareness. It means noticing the Lord’s hand in everything around us, becoming in tune with His many blessings and His Spirit. Then, it takes quite, pondering, searching, and reaching deep into our soul. Then, His voice is heard.

Does God still talk to man? Does the Savior still call for His sheep to follow Him?

Yes.

The real question is— Are we listening?