Elder Linder

Part 1 of “The Devoted Life: Exploring the Path of Discipleship”

What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus Christ? This question has been on my heart lately, especially as I’ve pondered the Savior’s invitation to “take up [our] cross daily” (Luke 9:23). Notice that crucial word: “daily.” He doesn’t say “occasionally” or “when it’s convenient.” Discipleship isn’t a one-time decision—it’s a daily commitment to follow Him.

We see this pattern of daily discipleship beautifully illustrated in the life of Nephi. When faced with the challenging command to obtain the brass plates, he didn’t just try once and give up. Through Nephi’s faithful leadership, he and his brothers made three attempts to obtain the plates, with Nephi rallying them by declaring “as the Lord liveth, and as we live, we will not go down unto our father in the wilderness until we have accomplished the thing which the Lord hath commanded us” (1 Nephi 3:15). His example shows us what true discipleship looks like—persistent dedication, even when the path ahead seems challenging.

Mormon captured this spirit of dedicated discipleship when he declared, “I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been called of him to declare his word among his people” (3 Nephi 5:13). Notice how he doesn’t say “I believe in Jesus Christ” or even “I follow Jesus Christ.” He states with certainty, “I am a disciple.” It’s part of his identity, shaping every aspect of his life.

The Lord emphasizes this total commitment in modern revelation: “O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength” (D&C 4:2). The word “embark” is particularly meaningful here. When you embark on a journey, you’re all in—there’s no halfway point between being on the ship and not being on it.

This kind of discipleship transforms us. It’s not just about doing different things—it’s about becoming different people. Each daily choice to follow Him, each small act of faith, shapes us more into the disciples He knows we can become.

Today, I invite you to reflect: What would change in your life if you fully embraced being a disciple of Jesus Christ? Not just on Sundays, not just during prayers, but in every moment of every day? What decisions might you make differently? How might your relationships change? How would your priorities shift?

I testify that true discipleship, while challenging, brings a joy and peace that can’t be found any other way. As we take up our cross daily and follow Him, we discover that the path of discipleship isn’t just about reaching a destination—it’s about becoming who our Heavenly Father always knew we could be.