Discipleship: Following in the Savior's Footsteps

Have you ever considered what is probably one of the most emphasized words in the scriptures? Yes, there are a few that could be discussed but today I’d like to think about the word “one”. If you think about it, “one” is a term frequently used when a commandment is issued to man kind- more particularly to the disciples of Christ.

Here are a couple of the most thought compelling phrases within the New Testament.

And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. (John 10:16)

One Lord, one faith, one baptism. (Ephesians 4:5)

If you couple that with another scripture found in the Doctrine and Covenants, the significance of “one” becomes even more clear.

Behold, this I have given unto you as a parable, and it is even as I am. I say unto you, be one; and if ye are not one ye are not mine. (D&C 38:27)

It’s something that definitely needs to be considered. During His earthly ministry, Christ tried to make it perfectly clear that He was doing the will of His Father. He wanted us to understand that their thoughts, purposes, and love for us are one and the same. Jesus Christ would not do something contrary to Heavenly Father’s commandments and purposes. Then, Christ states that He will gather us all into a single fold, that He is the single Shepherd to whom we can turn for guidance, protection in life, and a way home. He tells us that if we are not “one” within that fold, we can not be His.

To me, these things speak of there only being one path that leads directly to Christ, one religion and means by which mankind can return to God’s presence. I truly believe that Jesus Christ never meant for us to be confused or take different views and interpretations of His doctrine. He was one with the Father. He followed God’s path explicitly. He asks us to find that one path that brings everything about us as His disciples into harmony with Him. We need to become totally and completely His.

Everyone has different backgrounds and environments. There are so many good things that come out of the diversities of religion in the world. I can honestly say that any church can bring about tremendous amounts of good. It’s a step in the right direction, no matter which congregation you find yourself in, if your purpose in being there is to be as close to Jesus Christ as possible there’s nothing bad about that at all. But, without offending, may I suggest that the path extends further still. Eventually, I’d hope your desire would be to become even closer, to find those things that speak to your mind and heart even more clearly. It may seem a little pretentious, but to me that closer focus is found within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I believe it to be founded on the church established by Jesus Christ. I believe there is nothing lacking. I believe that within its doctrines and practices I can find myself truly honoring the will and purposes of my Heavenly Father. Fully and completely. That’s the most rewarding feeling for a disciple of Christ.

What does it take to become “one” in the eyes of God? I look for, and find, the following elements in the LDS Church.

And thus, notwithstanding there being many churches they were all one church, yea, even the church of God; for there was nothing preached in all the churches except it were repentance and faith in God. (Mosiah 25:21)

So we, being many, are one body in Christ. (Romans 12:5)

And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that bought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. (Acts 4:31-32)

These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren. (Acts 1:14)

Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; (Philippians 1: 27)

Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you. (2 Corinthians 13:11)

The most basic answer on how to become one? Through Jesus Christ. Learn to hear His voice and recognize His gospel.

In your quest to become one with Christ through organized religion, focus on these elements:

A unity and agreement on all of the teachings of Jesus Christ.
A continuity of instruction, methods, and structure.
A path of communication and revelation through prayer—individual and congregation.
A confirming spirit and the presence of the Holy Ghost in all of their gathering and efforts.
Genuine concern, service and support between the members.
A specific and concentrated effort to live as Christ did, to bring all actions in line with His will.

When you find these things, stand close and be counted among Christ’s flock. Be His. And, be one with those around you in His flock.

What does membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (sometimes called the LDS Church) mean for the disciple of Christ? Is it possible to be a disciple without membership? The most basic answer to the second question is yes of course. Anyone who realizes how important Jesus Christ is to them can begin a new life as His disciple. Emulating Jesus Christ is the best goal for anyone in this world. In fact, it is the primary purpose of our time on earth.

As we’ve discussed many times, discipleship is a growth process that allows us to be a little bit more like the Savior every day. The disciple of Christ truly desires to follow Christ, to carry His name, and serve those around him in the best ways he can. That process starts from wherever we find ourselves.

But, there is another factor involved in becoming a disciple. The disciple of Christ carries the Spirit of Christ within his heart and nature. It whispers guidance, assurance, peace, and understanding. It testifies of Jesus Christ and the eternal truths He taught. The disciple of Christ recognizes and embraces truth.

Because you are reading this blog, I know that you have had some dealings with the LDS Church. That may mean you are a life-time member or someone making a casual inquiry. Either way, the first question each of us found in this place, at this time, is: What do I believe about Jesus Christ? Then, after we’ve looked inside of ourselves and pondered our answers to this basic question we can move forward.

A belief in Jesus Christ is a foundation in good. It is the best place to build up a lasting part of ourselves. What we accomplish on this foundation carries the greatest value both here and in heaven. When we have established where we stand in our beliefs and love for Christ, we can move on to the next valuable question: What am I willing to do in His name? How can I best be His disciple? Again, these answers are individual.

The one thing that every disciple needs to keep in mind, both with their own dealings with their fellow man and in the way they view an organized religion of any type is: everything in the Church of Jesus Christ is about pleasing the Lord. Everything. Not politics, not station, not money, not prestige, not anything else.

Because of the light within me, because of my own desires to be a dedicated disciple, I recognize the truth that permeates The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints but more importantly I recognize its focus. Everything in the LDS Church is about pleasing the Lord. That’s why this disciple chooses membership in a “peculiar” religion.

I have friends in many different religions. I hear their heartbreak as they watch members of their own congregations forget the most basic principles of discipleship. I do not pretend that there are no problems within our congregations. We are still human, but I think there is a very basic difference in how we operate and how many others do. We take our discipleship very seriously. We make covenants associated with our belief in Jesus Christ. We willingly enter into binding promises with our God to serve and honor Him. If something is happening that is contrary to the basic mission of pleasing God and supporting His doctrines it can, should, and will be corrected.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a source of truth but most of all it is a source of commitment. I came because of Jesus Christ; I continue because of Jesus Christ, I try to please the Lord. If you’re ready to take your discipleship to the next level, let your heart look more closely at the truths that can be found here. It gives every member/disciple a chance to actively move closer to Christ in every way. It’s the best home I’ve found for the disciple of Christ.

Everything in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is about Jesus Christ.