For today’s scripture study, I examined Luke 5:1-17. In these verses, Christ ministers to a crowd, and then calls His disciples to follow Him. Although we examined the reactions of Peter, Andrew, James, and John two weeks ago, I noticed something different in their calling.
In Matthew 4, we watch the disciples immediately spring into action. Without hesitation, they decided to serve and follow the Master. Today, as I studied, I see that not only were ‘quick to observe’, they were also complete in their following. “They forsook all,” verse 11 tells us, “and followed him.” If you follow the footnotes to Luke 14:33, you learn “whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.”
Since discipleship (as well as friendship) should be what we attain to as well, it behooves us to consider how we can best follow Him as He has urged. These verses make it clear that we must be willing to give up all that we have to do so. Certainly the early Saints were excellent examples of those willing to give up material possessions, and even families. Many were willing to sacrifice their very lives.
But what about our sins? Which of your bad habits are you willing to give up to come to know the Lord? What are you holding onto so tightly that you are just not ready to change? Maybe it is a reluctance to begin (or complete) your food storage. Maybe you do not feel financially able to pay your tithing. Perhaps you are neglecting your home or visiting teaching. Perhaps you find yourself too critical of your spouse or children (or coworkers, or inlaws….) And so on.
We must examine ourselves on a daily basis and see what things are hindering us from a closer relationship with our Savior. We should ask ourselves which one takes priority – the Savior or what is keeping us from Him. Hopefully we won’t have to linger too long over the answer! We must then go about giving up that habit. Sometimes it may be an easy thing; sometimes it may take a great deal of work, time, and prayer. But as we give up whatever is halting our spiritual progress, we will find blessings beyond measure. The greatest of all will be a stronger relationship with our Savior and friend, Jesus Christ.
Related Articles:
General Conference: “Discipleship”
Gospel Doctrine: Unable to See the Possibilities