We often hear, "Be your authentic self." The Savior teaches us that only through patient discipline can we come into full "possession" of our souls. Like Alma with his son Shiblon, we can appreciate one another's accomplishments while still encouraging each another to "bridle [our] passions" as we progress along the transformative path of discipleship.
Living by Divine Patterns
Moses, Solomon, and Nephi all built sacred edifices according to divine blueprints. The Lord instructed church members in 1833 to do the same. Just as we build temples according to divine patterns, we can find joy when we align our lives with eternal principles.
Ascending and Descending as a Disciple of Jesus Christ
Jesus, who created the universe, lived a humble mortal life and endured unfathomable suffering. Why? So that He could be "in all and through all things, the light of truth." As His disciples, we are able to empathize and uplift because we spend time with others and we willingly endure the trials of life.
What Does It Mean to “Gird Up Your Loins”?
Throughout the Old Testament, beginning with Passover instructions, "girding one's loins" indicated readiness to act. In modern revelation, the Lord has instructed us nine times to gird up our loins. We do so by taking courage and being mentally prepared to act in righteousness as God's work continues to unfold.
“What Is That to Thee?”
John and Peter had different requests, and Jesus granted them both. Three of the twelve disciples in the Americas had the same desire as John, and He granted it to them as well. As Jesus explained to Peter, there is no need for envy among his disciples. We can each find joy serving Him according to our unique personalities without comparing our discipleship with each other.
War and Peace
Some principles for dealing with conflict from the Book of Mormon: 1. Disciples of Christ promote peace. 2. We have a duty as citizens to uphold the law. 3. Some things are worth fighting for. 4. Comfort and bless those who are harmed by conflict.
Amaleki
Amaleki's father knew "of no revelation." How did Amaleki come to write such a powerful testimony? He had no children, and his brother was gone. Was he alone? Like Amaleki, we can contribute meaningfully, regardless of our background and circumstances.
Knowing, Loving, Living, Being
In his epistles, John teaches that different aspects of our discipleship are integrated. He makes numerous statements of equivalence, equating loving God with knowing Him, loving others, and following Him. Here is a diagram illustrating these equivalences
Nothing Wavering
Elder Rasband pointed out that some of the people who shouted "Hosanna" on Palm Sunday later shouted "Crucify him." Public opinion is fickle, and true disciples are steadfast. We must avoid being "carried about with every wind of doctrine."
Disciples Act
When Peter saw Jesus walking on the water, he didn't see it as a sign to be acknowledged. He saw it as an invitation to act. Discipleship is not just about learning. It's about emulating and becoming. "What manner of men ought ye to be? Even as I am."