A major part of discipleship is letting things go. Jesus told his apostles what not to pack, how not to plan for speeches, and how to move on when treated badly. The principle is simple: find joy by focusing on the most important things.
Taking up Our Cross
Many years before His crucifixion, Jesus used the imagery of the cross to describe the burden of discipleship: If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. Matthew 16:24; see also Mark 8:34, Luke 9:23 In Joseph Smith's revision of the Bible, the Savior adds the following explanation: "And now for a... Continue Reading →
Letting Go
When I have met an immigrant tottering under a bundle which contained his all—looking like an enormous wen which had grown out of the nape of his neck—I have pitied him, not because that was his all, but because he had all that to carry. Henry David Thoreau, Walden, 163 It's a good idea not to... Continue Reading →
My Cruse of Oil
When Elijah requested "a morsel of bread" from the widow of Zarephath, she responded, "I have not a cake, but a handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse." She explained that she was about to prepare a final meal for herself and for her son. Elijah told her not... Continue Reading →
The Manna Ceased
Sometimes we receive a little extra help temporarily. It's wonderful while it lasts, but there comes a point when we need to stand on our own two feet again and be more self-sufficient. While the children of Israel wandered in the wilderness, they ate manna, a food which miraculously appeared each morning, six days a... Continue Reading →
What Does the Book of Mormon Teach about Sacrifice?
Early in the Book of Mormon, the concept of sacrifice appears. Lehi and his family had certainly given up much to follow the Lord's command, abandoning their comfortable living in Jerusalem to travel in the wilderness. But Lehi's son Nephi saves the word "sacrifice" for a more specific usage. When he and his brothers return... Continue Reading →
Having Sealed the Truth of His Words – Mosiah 17:20
20 And now, when Abinadi had said these words, he fell, having suffered death by fire; yea, having been put to death because he would not deny the commandments of God, having sealed the truth of his words by his death.(Mosiah 17:20)You can tell how much you value something by how much you are willing... Continue Reading →
Having Sealed the Truth of His Words by His Death – Mosiah 17:20
20 And now, when Abinadi had said these words, he fell, having suffered death by fire; yea, having been put to death because he would not deny the commandments of God, having sealed the truth of his words by his death.(Mosiah 17:20)You can tell how much a person values something by the price they are... Continue Reading →
Book of Mormon Study Notes 