Effective disciples of Christ, what am I doing to become an effective disciple?
Talk assigned to Elder Michael Taylor by Elder Kevin W. Pearson
Elder Michael Taylor, Senior missionary, Inglewood, New Zealand
Companion of the best missionary in the New Zealand Hamilton Mission, Sister Taylor
“What I am doing to become a more effective disciple of Christ”
During His ministry among the Nephites following His resurrection, Jesus asked his disciples this question: “Therefore, what manner of men ought ye to be?” He answered the question for them by responding: “Even as I am”. Although I will never reach a state of perfection as Christ did, I can show my willingness to be ‘even as He is’ by modeling all I do, say, and think after the perfect example of our Lord. I must learn of Him and seek to incorporate His traits and characteristics into my own personal life.
Currently I am focusing my spiritual efforts in three areas of improvement, praying earnestly that the power of the Atonement will lift me, cleanse me, and guide me in my efforts to draw closer to my Savior and to improve my discipleship.
First, I am trying to pray more like Jesus prayed. His prayers to the Father were intimate, personal, soul-searching, focused on praise to the Father and on blessing the lives of others. My prayers need to follow this pattern. I am praying longer, praying more earnestly for the welfare of others (by name), avoiding trite phrases, picturing the image of the Father as I pray, and remaining on my knees after the conclusion of each prayer, listening intently for the whisperings of the Spirit.
Secondly, I am trying to know and use the scriptures as Jesus did. The Savior had a ready command of the holy scriptures, and often quoted scriptural passages from memory. He was able to expound upon and personalize scriptural passages to those He taught. His love of and respect for the holy writ echoed in His teachings. I am striving to emulate His example by intensifying my daily scripture study, pondering, searching, feasting upon, and internalizing the beautiful truths found on every page and in every verse of scripture. I am memorizing new scripture continually, making it possible to “have my scriptures with me” no matter where I am. My goal is to finish each study session having been taught by the Spirit.
Thirdly, I am striving to serve others as Jesus served. Jesus followed promptings, served even when it was inconvenient to serve, continually surveyed his surroundings in search of those He could touch and lift. And when opportunities presented themselves, the Lord never faltered, hesitated, or postponed his selfless service. He acted. I must do likewise, living each day in pursuit of those who need uplift, encouragement, and light. I pray to have my spiritual lamp full of oil at all times, enabling me to freely share God’s love with others. I need to serve when and where it is not easy to serve. And I must not wait to be “commanded in all things”, but to do “many things of [my] own free will”.
I find strength in these efforts, knowing that if I am humble, “…the Lord…will lead [me] by the hand and give [me] answer to [my] prayers.”
In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
(following is the OUTLINE form of the talk)
Outline
- Christ asked his disciples, “What manner of men ought ye to be?” and answered his own question with “Even as I am”.
- Even though I will never reach that state of perfection, my daily goal must be to draw closer to His example and closer to His expectations for me.
- I am focusing my efforts to be a more effective disciple in three areas:
- Area number one — I am trying to pray more like Jesus did, praying intimately, personally, avoiding trite phrases, picturing the Lord as I pray, and remaining on my knees after I conclude, listening for the promptings of the Spirit in answer to my pleas
- Area number two — I am trying to know and use the scriptures as Jesus did, having a ready command of the scriptures, likening the scriptures unto those He taught, memorizing new scripture every day, and internalizing the glorious truths found therein.
- Area number three — I am striving to serve as the Lord did, serving when it is inconvenient, serving when prompted, being continually alert to opportunities around me, and doing “many things of [my] own free will”, not waiting for someone to command me.
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