There are many words and ideas we could analyze from this passage in the bible but the word I want to focus on is follow.
What does the word follow mean?
Merriam-Webster says the definition of follow is:
a. to go or come after
b. to proceed along
c. to engage in as a way of life
d. obey
e. to keep one's attention fixed on
Now if we look at this in the context of the scripture above we can try to understand how to better apply it to our lives.
When Jesus Christ tells us to follow him, he is telling us to:
a. come after him. We are living in the 21st century. Two thousand years after Christ did. So we literally come after him.
b. proceed along the path that he walked. He walked a path of diligence, sacrifice, and humility. We must also be willing to walk in that path. We must bear the trials, temptations, and hurt that are given us and submit to God's will.
c. engage in his way of life. Jesus Christ spent his time in the service of others. He didn't think about his needs before others. He was always serving, always reaching a hand towards the needy, the outcast, or the forgotten. He healed, taught, comforted, counseled, and loved. We can live a life of love like Jesus by giving extra money we have to the poor, giving a friend a call, hugging someone who is having a hard day, doing some service for the elderly, etc.
d. obey. Jesus Christ was the perfect example of obeying his Father. He was the only sinless person to ever live on the earth and came to do his Father's will. We also, should be obedient. One prophet said of Jesus Christ, "He said unto the children of men: Follow thou me. wherefore, my beloved brethren, can we follow Jesus save we shall be willing to keep the commandments of the Father?" (2 Nephi 31: 10). Some of these commandments include: baptism, prayer, loving our neighbor, obeying our parents, living virtuous lives, being honest, etc.
e. keep your attention fixed on him. Keep him always in your mind and in your heart. Study his life and teachings. Put a picture of him somewhere you will see it often. Think of him. Talk about him. Express your gratitude for him.
In April 2013, Elder Dallin H. Oaks said, "Following Christ is not a casual or occasional practice but a continuous commitment and way of life that applies at all times and in all places."
I know that it is so important to follow our Savior Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father. We must be willing to do it "at all times, in all things, and in all places" (Mosiah 18:9). It can't just be something that we do when we go to church. It must be a part of you. At home, work, school, recreational activities. With friends, co-workers, family, and acquaintances. He must be imprinted on our hearts. I know that as we continue to follow his example and walk in his footsteps we will become like him. We will be the purified men and women that God sees us becoming.
"Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons [and daughters] of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure. Amen." (Moroni 7:48)
What does it meant to you to follow Jesus Christ?
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