Recently reflecting on the word devotion, I was moved with gratitude for my experiences as a devoted follower, which have genuinely informed my divine desire for discipleship.
Commitment of Devoted Follower
Whether from participating in Sunday services, studying scriptures daily with sacred focus, or serving in temples, our religious dedication consecrates the steadfastness of a soul. In a world where religious observance and commitment are often ridiculed and mocked, walking in our faith with full fidelity connects us with heaven, with fondness.
Many say, “I am spiritual not religious” or “I am into God but don’t find Him in church.” What is the value of full commitment to the Gospel and devotion that comes with activity in the Church? Elder Renlund teaches,
I invite you to commit yourself more fully to the Savior, His gospel, and His Church. As you do so, you will find that the combination of the Savior’s gospel and His Church brings power into your life. This power is far greater than dynamite. It’ll shatter the rocks in your way, transform you into an inheritor in God’s kingdom. And you will be “filled with that joy which is unspeakable and full of glory.
Your constancy and determination to devotion matters. It gives you greater access to God’s power. It fills the mundane of mortality with the miraculous.
Service and Progress of a Dedicated Disciple
My devoted follower commitment has led to service of discipleship. As I have devoted myself to my morning prayers, I have been prompted to reach out and serve a neighbor. While devoting my efforts to serving in callings in church, I’ve been stretched to work more effectively with personalities very different than mine. I’ve extended my desire for discipleship as I have volunteered to bring meals to new moms and have donated my tithing to build church buildings and schools. Elder Soares shares,
While it is true that each of us travels an individualized discipleship journey on the covenant path, striving to keep our hearts and minds centered on Christ Jesus, we need to be careful and constantly vigilant to not be tempted to adopt . . . worldly philosophy in our life.
Divinity is found in our diversity, but when we choose with our agency to be more devoted to living our gospel code of conduct, wearing covenant and religiously appropriate clothing, and living with daily holy habits, we move forward on the path of discipleship. Elder Soares continued, “[W]hat works for Thee, works for me.”
God loves you no matter what. But living as a devoted follower and a dedicated disciple allows God’s love to transform you. Religious zeal is best practiced in the daily, ordinary, and personal. Your heart and mind as a devoted follower enable and advance discipleship because using our agency to act advances our covenant connection with God. So keep going.
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