A DISCIPLE

 

 

“Behold, I am Mormon…..I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God…”  (3 Nephi 5:12,13, 20)

I don’t know that anyone in the Book of Mormon deserves the title of the ‘disciple’ more than Mormon. Consider the meaning of what being a disciple means:

“To be a true disciple [of Christ]…..is the most demanding regimen known to man. No other disciple compares…in either requirements or rewards. It involves the total transformation of a person from the state of the natural man to that of a saint, one who loves the Lord and serves with all of his heart, might, mind and strength.” (Chauncey C. Riddle, ‘Becoming a Disciple’, Ensign Sept 1974, p 81)

A Christ’s disciple is someone who possesses absolute, unrestrained devotion to His teachings and a sacrifice of all that is necessary to maintain such a commitment. It is someone who is willing to take up his cross and follow Him up the hill of their own Calvary for being a disciple of Christ can bring to us a certain special suffering. Only the cross has the power to transform  us into the likeness of Him whom we follow.

Consider the life of a man called Mormon, who was faithful to the latter in one of the most evil societies that have ever existed. A people who were so wicked that the Holy Ghost was entirely withheld from them (Mormon 1:14); who 'willfully rebelled against their God' (Mormon 1:16); who, in their extremities 'cursed God and wished to die' (Mormon 2:14); who were consumed with revenge (Mormon 3:9-10); who forcibly deprived women of their virtue, killed them, and 'devoured their flesh like unto wild beasts' (Moroni 9:10).

Not only did Mormon continue to love and serve his people who had descended into the pit of hell and who refused to repent, but he fought along-side them knowing they were doomed and when the Nephites went down to complete destruction, he went down with them.

This alone is exemplary but the spiritual warrior within him is more so. His driving force should inspire us all the days of our lives to fight the battle to the end remembering the echo of his words to Moroni, his son: ”for we have a labour to perform whilst in this tabernacle of clay, that we may conquer the enemy of all righteousness…” (Moroni 9:6). 

Is this not being a disciple of Jesus Christ????

- CATHRYNE ALLEN 

(Art: The Master's Call by Phil McKay)

JOY

 

 

“We were created to have joy. It is our intended destiny as children of a loving Heavenly Father. He wants to share His joy with us…..joy typically means much more than passing moments of contentment or even feelings of happiness. Joy in this context is a godly attribute, found in its fulness when we return to dwell in the presence of God (Psalm 16:11). It is more profound, elevating, enduring, and life-changing than any pleasure of comfort this world can offer.” (Elder Craig C. Christensen, “There Can Be Nothing So Exquisite and Sweet as Was My Joy”, General Conference April 2023)

 

Imagine being elated with consistent feelings of joy throughout eternity. But this is the destiny and blessed state of the faithful. In this world of sorrow and ups and downs it is hard to imagine this state of being. Maintaining expectancy of the fulness of joy whilst ploughing through the tears of mortality can be achieved through something we often hear about in the Church and that is, eternal perspective. Eternal perspective is the path of trust and faith that motivates us to repentance, but the greatest motivator should be this: When the Saviour taught the Nephites, He told them that the FATHER rejoiced because of them….because none of them were lost (3 Nephi 27:30-31).

 

In this too, our beloved Saviour was the perfect example who ‘for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross’ (Hebrews 12:1-2). For whose joy did the Saviour endure the cross? For ours, for His, for the Father’s. It takes the eternal perspective to the new level, does it not? If He could give so much for the eternal joy of us all, should we not be able to give so little that is asked of us in comparison? With so many of His children on the path to destruction in the world today, should we, who have the truth, not strive to bring joy to our beloved Father in every way and every day? Should we not ensure that none of us are lost? 

 

I yearn to feel the closeness of 

Thy presence

And once again feel the warmth of 

Thy embrace.

I come to You, Father,

Through the gift of 

Thy Son’s benevolent grace.

- CATHRYNE ALLEN

(Art: Arms of Faith by Yongsung Kim)