Gospel Doctrine: They Forsook All, and Followed Himby Nola Redd | More from this Blogger 06 Feb 2007 11:00 AM 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 Learn more about Nola Redd  Freelance writer Nola Redd is a stay-at-home mom to three kids, with a fourth on the way. Relevantlds tags User Comments NanIam (56) 06 Feb 2007 01:49 PMThanks, Nola. That is the tricky part--stopping to think about what is keeping us from following Him wholeheartedly. When I stopped to think about it recently, I realized that there were so many small things causing me problems. Things that I enjoy, like watching a "good" show now and then, often without scrutinizing the content like I used to. But what I realized is that by allowing myself to be caught up in the things of the world, I was losing sight of the Savior. "No man can serve two masters." I think we sometimes think that we can do both, but I am really coming to understand that we have to choose between the things of the world and being a disciple. In my own life, I feel that giving up life's little guilty pleasures for the reward of the companionship of the Spirit and a closer walk with Christ is worth it. I have to remind myself of that every day. When I was a teen, I used the acronym, SMILE, a lot. To be Spiritually Minded Is Life Eternal. I'm not asked to forsake my family or home to follow Him at this time. But what is required of us in this day and age is to forsake the world. It can be really hard. What does scripture say, Satan will lull some of us into thinking that all is well and little by little he will draw us away. I see it in my own life. I have to be vigilent about allowing into my life only those influences that are virtuous, lovely, or of good report and giving up those pet sins that I love to hold onto. Nola Redd (7081) 07 Feb 2007 08:41 PMThanks for the fantastic feedback. You are right, it can be tough to forsake the world, especially when it tries so hard to lure us in. But a frequent re-examination can make a severe difference. Discuss this article
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