Valiant Discipleship in the Latter Days

Jörg Klebingat

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Takeaways:

God gave us all agency. “God won’t force us to do good, and the devil can’t force us to do evil.” We all reap what our choices have sown.

“Today it is almost impossible to courageously live our faith without occasionally attracting a few actual and virtual fingers of scorn from the worldly.” But we should not be afraid because Christ is at the helm and has given us prophets to guide us.

We should live by every word that God has spoken, not pick and choose which words to listen to. Although following or teaching the commandments may at times be viewed as an act of intolerance in the world’s eyes, we should demonstrate that we can love all those who belief differently from us. “We can accept and respect others without endorsing their beliefs or actions that do not align with the Lord’s will. There is no need to sacrifice truth on the altar of agreeableness and social desirability.”

“While some would prefer to be selective in the commandments they follow, let us joyfully accept the Savior’s invitation to ‘live by every word which proceedeth forth out of the mouth of God.’” “Zion and Babylon are incompatible.” If you feel torn between your discipleship and the world, remember that the Savior’s arms of mercy are extended toward you, offering you forgiveness if you will repent and be received by Him. 

“If we really want to be valiant disciples of Christ, we will find a way. Otherwise, the adversary offers enticing alternatives.”

Questions to Ponder:

“[W]hat does the sum total of our thoughts, desires, words, and works say about our love for the Savior, His chosen servants, and His restored Church?” 

“Do our baptismal, priesthood, and temple covenants mean more to us than the praise of the world or the number of ‘likes’ on social media?” 

“Is our love for the Lord and His commandments stronger than our love for anything or anyone else in this life?”

“Am I enduring for a while, but when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, by and by am I offended?”

“Am I firmly built on the rock of Jesus Christ and His servants?”

Further Study: 

Matthew 11:6; Matthew 15:9; Acts 20:30; Isaiah 5:20; 2 Timothy 4:3—4; 3 Nephi 18:24; D&C 98:11; 

Neal A. Maxwell, “Answer Me,” Ensign, Nov. 1988, 33; M. 

Russell Ballard, “How Is It with Us?,” Ensign, May 2000, 33; Liahona, July 2000, 40