Discipleship: Following in the Savior's Footsteps

For years I kept a picture above my bed that said, “Did you think to pray?” I’ve often wanted to add one on my bedroom door that read, “Are You coming with me?” If the answer is no, than I probably forgot to heed the first reminder.

Let me explain. Many years ago I listened while a woman I admired and respected. She talked about what it was like for her in the month following her husband’s sudden death. She shared how difficult it was for her just to get out of bed and get out the door to meet her responsibilities. How did she go on? How did she continue to put one foot in front of the other even when it seemed they would not, no could not move? She relied on the Savior.

You see, every morning she started her day with the normal routines of a disciple. She read her scriptures and said her prayers. She dressed and took care of all her daily needs. Then, she prepared to walk out the door and into the world. She explained that many days that was the hardest part, just opening the door and going out. When it seemed too much for her she would stop with her hand on the door and offer another prayer. Simply, “Are you coming with me, Lord? I need you. I don’t think I can make it through this day without you. Please, stay with me.”

Sometimes additional tears were shed but in the end her heart and limbs received the strength they needed to “make it through the day”.

I remember the feelings within my own heart as I witnessed the strength this woman had found in the Savior’s love and knew I wanted that, too.

Perhaps for the disciple of Christ, this is the most important question we need to ask. As we go out into the world to represent His name and love we need to know, “Are You coming with me, Jesus?”

When was the last time you specifically asked Jesus to be with you as you went about the actives of your day? The next question is, if you invited Him, did you at some point forget He was an invited guest and let your actions drive Him from your presence again? How long was it before you noticed He was not longer, in fact could not be, with you?

Often, keeping the Savior with us during our busy overwhelming days is a simple matter of putting Him first. Start your day with His words from the scriptures and pray. He notices when we invite Him in to our lives this way. We’ve broken down a lot of barriers that may have kept us from recognizing His presence beside us because we put Him first and sought Him out at the start of the day. Invite Him to walk beside you and see what strength He will provide.

Put your hand on the door, then pause to ask, “Are you coming with me today, Jesus? I can’t do this alone.”

If the heavens are silent, stop, turn around and begin your day again until the Spirit can be with you.

I ran across a beautiful article by Thomas S. Monson the other day entitled “Three Goals to Guide You”. Though the address was first given to a group of women, I think its message sets the tone for anyone who wants to serve the Lord as His disciple to the best of our ability every day of our lives. President Monson gives the advice that often there are only three main goals we need to work toward in order to be the best people that we can be.

1. Study diligently.

2. Pray earnestly.

3. Serve willingly.

First, study. What does the disciple study? The most obvious answer is the scriptures. Christ has said,

“Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” John 5:39

When we read the scriptures we hear the Lord’s voice, we understand his words so that when they speak to our heart they can penetrate deep. We read, hear, and understand. We learn the will of the Lord and grow in testimony and love for Him. The scriptures are the best foundation for our faith in a world that wants to eat away at anything spiritual. They are a sure guide to paths of faithfulness and the best defense against evil. Scripture study is not a light reading once a week, it is meant to be a diligent pursuit for something we truly desire. We should search the scriptures with the same fervency that we would look for our lost car keys when late for an appointment. They are our life preserver in a world drowning with sin and pain.

Along with the scriptures, explore other good and powerful works. Gain an education and knowledge of the best things the world has to offer. These are placed here for the growth and benefit of God’s children that we could celebrate our lives, talents and differences that we have been blessed with for our experience here on earth.

Second, pray. Once we have come to understand the language of God and can feel His words in your heart from the scriptures. Open the line of communication even further by connecting on an even more personal manner.

“Pray always, and I will pour out my Spirit upon you, and great shall be your blessing.” D&C 19:38

Express every need, fear, and joy. He will share in your life through your prayers and give you personal direction and support when you listen for His spirit during your communications with Him.

Lastly, serve willingly. Does it have to be big and dramatic? Usually not. Consider the ways of the Savior. Yes, there were many significant and highly visible acts and there will be times when we are placed in significant situations where our service will be extremely great. But just as often during the Savior’s mortal ministry it was something small and personal. There were many times when He told someone to go and tell no one. Many times when He noticed what everyone else in the crowd had overlooked. Many times He understood a person’s heart when the world could not. These are the things that marked His greatness in my eyes and often what He most requires of us as His disciples. As His hands of service in the lives we come in contact with He wants us to notice the little things. The man in the tree, left on the outskirts. The woman who needs someone to notice the soul behind her tears. He needs our eyes and ears and most of all our hearts. He needs our willingness to express our love for Him in ways others can understand and learn from.

Three simple, but soul expanding goals for the disciple of Christ.