The Deliberate Disciple

24 Oct 2015

Our mission vision is to "Be a Deliberate Disciple".   I have thought about that a lot.   I am now trying to direct my focus on being a deliberate disciple of Christ as opposed to an "accidental disciple". 

I have tried to be more observant and find the difference between the deliberate and the accidental disciple.   What does it take to be a deliberate disciple.   What does a deliberate disciple look like?  And likewise, what does an accidental disciple look like?

As best as I can figure out,  it is hard to see the difference.   The Accidental Disciple goes through all the motions.   They go to church, they accept callings (most of the time will do them... may not), prays most of the time, has read the scriptures, has an understanding of the Church and how it works.  The children go to Primary, the youth go to the activities they really like. On occasion the Gospel of Jesus Christ will wash over them like the tides coming in toward the shores.  It will touch you and even some of it may stick.  Then you just wait hoping that there is another high tide some day soon. 

What makes the difference is the HEART and MIND which will direct STRENGTH or action.  That is why the Lord requires your "heart, mind, and strength".  This will create the Deliberate Disciple.   One who takes seriously the promises we make every Sunday when we take the Sacrament.   We will keep His commandments, we will always remember Him, and we will take His name upon us.  The Deliberate Disciple will be focused on being Christ-like daily.  Some of the attributes are faithfulness, kindness, thoughtfulness, and being uplifting to others.  They do what they do out of love of others and love of the Lord.  No other motives.

I think the Deliberate Disciples in our lives are part of the miracles we see.

The Deliberate Disciples seem to be all around us in the form of family, friends, neighbors, wards, and stakes.   Julie, my dear friend, has had the opportunity to see some of these Deliberate Disciples up close and personal.   She has been the recipient of their love and caring arms.   She received her miracle this week, or was it in he last 10 months?  Either way, I'm grateful that my friend's health is being restored.    The examples witnessed are worth emulating.  I have learned a lot about being a Deliberate Disciple.   I am more focused on being a Deliberate Disciple. I am grateful for miracles and that they are still very evident in this world.   The true disciples, the deliberate disciples make life bearable while we wait for the miracle.   The miracle began when a community of people had the slightest shred of hope.   It was that little bit of hope that became stronger and stronger until it was larger than the disease. 
I just can't stop saying "thank you".   The real test is change....am I a better person because of this?  Am I becoming a better disciple of Christ... a Deliberate Disciple of Christ?  I am working on it.  I have my sights set on the goal.