In his talk “Discipleship” President James E Faust speaks about what it means to be a disciple of Christ. He opens by sharing the story of when the Savior called Peter, James and John to follow him. They left their nets behind and followed. President Faust goes on to say,
“What is discipleship? It is primarily obedience to the Savior. Discipleship includes many things. It is chastity. It is tithing. It is family home evening. It is keeping all the commandments. It is forsaking anything that is not good for us. Everything in life has a price. Considering the Savior’s great promise for peace in this life and eternal life in the life to come, discipleship is a price worth paying. It is a price we cannot afford not to pay. By measure, the requirements of discipleship are much, much less than the promised blessings.”
President Faust says that there are specific things that we can do to follow the Savior. He spoke of the importance of emulating the characteristics of Christ including caring for and helping others. It is also important to stand as a witness of Christ. It is also important to care for little children.
President Faust points out that some may be called to lay down their lives as disciples of Christ. He shares the story of Rafael Monroy and Vicente Morales who were killed rather than deny their testimonies. He also shares the story of Edward Partridge who was tarred and feathered by a mob rather than renounce his faith.
President Faust says that most of us will not be asked to die for discipleship, but rather to live for it. He speaks of those who are not willing to give up things in order to follow Christ. He speaks of the importance repentance and forsaking evil. He promises us that discipleship is available to all those who are willing to make the necessary sacrifices.
This is a wonderful talk about the importance of becoming a disciple of Christ. One point that stood out to me was that we need to live to be disciples. It is important that we are striving to become true disciples of Christ. Sometimes it is the little things that we need to do or to give up that will make the difference as to whether or not we are truly disciples of Christ. I hope that you will take the time to read the talk.
Related Articles:
General Conference: “O Be Wise”
General Conference: “Faith, Service, Constancy”
Relief Society: “To Look, Reach and Come Unto Christ”