How do we demonstrate our discipleship?

The word discipleship is well chosen. As sisters, we serve. That is what we do. But, as we’ve learned more about the history of our organization, we have learned that we save lives too; often by serving.

So, as disciples of Christ, how do we represent Him through our service?

We might review the baptismal covenant (Mosiah 18: 8-10). What does it mean to bear one another’s burdens, mourn with those that mourn, comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and stand as witnesses of God ALWAYS?

With so many wonderful things available in this world, it sometimes catches us off guard  to really comprehend that Jesus Christ came into this world with nothing, wanting nothing, and taking nothing. Before He even came to this world, He gave His will to Heavenly Father. His actions were consistent. His service was pure. His desire was only to His Father in Heaven.

I ask one more time: As disciples of Christ, how do we represent Him through our service? In spite of wanting to enjoy a few things in this world. In spite of letting fear stop us. In spite of allowing ourselves to be busy “in too many good things”.

This becomes a very interesting question when we are willing to admit our trouble spots. Now, keep in mind, Heavenly Father did not ask us to give up our will before coming down on this earth. He did, however, ask us to obey His commandments. As well, Christ asks us to follow Him, (which is the same as obeying Heavenly Father’s commandments). I wonder if it would have been easier to give up our will in Pre-earth Life?

Our lives should reflect who we are, whom we follow, what we believe, and where our hearts are. Why are Mormons so happy? Because we are reflecting our life’s choice. And our attitude is that all are included in this. We want everyone to feel this way too. That’s why it’s easy to sit next to that new sister in Relief Society. It’s easy to take dinner over, or just walk over and visit someone. It’s easy to spend hours in our callings. It’s easy to go to Church and to the Temple.

What’s more. We can do it quietly, without any fanfare, because as we obey these commandments, we know we please God, and isn’t that all we care about?

In the July 2012 issue of the Ensign, there is an article about Abish. We don’t know very much about her. In fact, it sounds like she lived a pretty unassuming life; that is, until she recognized what was happening at the king’s court and went over to the Queen and touched her hand. A few amazing thoughts come to mind with this story:

1. Abish was the only Mormon Lamanite at that time. She was all alone in her belief, yet she must have recognized the spirit when it spoke to her allowing her to recognize what was going on in order to jump in and get involved.
2. Even when we aren’t directly involved, we should be living our lives to be ready to jump in.
3. Did Abish think to hesitate? She was the only member among blood-thirsty Lamanites!
4. It had to be the spirit that told her to take the Queen’s hand. How did she know what to do?
5. Am I faithful/ready enough to do what she did? Including volunteering to help, speaking up when necessary, reaching out to others, loving and serving in order to save lives?

The Visiting Teaching Message is asking us to evaluate where we stand. But I hope you’ll think one step deeper and discover how to be a disciple that saves those around you by your example, ability to love (without harsh judgment), sincerity, and desire to remember the needs of your sisters–just as Christ did/does.