Being a disciple leader means to not only do the things that Jesus would do, but to also "see" and "feel" the things he would see and feel. When you "see" and "feel" what Jesus saw and felt means you go sit by someone you see is alone, you have compassion for someone who is struggling, you are happy when others succeed, you give a hug to someone who is struggling, etc. By seeing and feeling what Christ saw and felt, you see things that others overlook.
Being a disciple leader also means you lead with a small "L". When you lead with a small "L" instead of a large "L", you lead as how the Savior lead: you serve and minister, you love a support, and you bless the lives of others. When you lead with a small "L", you lead quietly and unnoticed and you aren't seeking recognition. Those who lead with a large "L" do it to be noticed and recognized. Leaders who lead with a small "L" minister to their students. Those who lead with a large "L" administer to their students. Those who lead with a small "L" consider themselves on equal ground with the ones they are leading. Leaders with a large "L" consider themselves above the ones they are leading. Followers of a leader who leads with a small "L" CHOOSE to follow them. Followers of a leader who leads with a large "L" are COMPELED to follow. The world needs more leaders who lead with a small "L". When Christ comes again, he will rule the whole Earth. How is the world going to know how to follow Christ, if they don't know how to follow a disciple leader???
BYU-I is a "Disciple Preparation Center" because the students who attend BYU-I are being prepared to become disciples of Christ. A disciple is "one who follows or attends upon another for the express purpose of learning". Preparation is "a process of making or getting ready; putting or setting in order for any action or purpose". "Center" is "a point from which things and influences originate or emanate". This meas that a "Disciple Preparation Center" is "A place in which followers of the Master learn and are set in order and are made ready and from which their influences flows to the world".
BYU-I prepares it's students to become disciples of Christ by teaching them three important lessons. The first lesson they teach the students is that a disciples faith is focused on Jesus Christ. The first principle o the gospel is not "faith", but it is "faith in the Lord Jesus Christ". Saving faith is rooted and focused on the Savior and through Him, in the Father. Our faith must be rooted and focused upon the Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ.
The second lesson is that a disciple recognizes that Faith in the Savior is a spiritual gift and appropriately seeks for that gift in his/her life. Faith is a gift we receive from Heavenly Father when we are obedient to His commandments and we prove to Him that we will follow where He leads. I always thought that faith in Christ was something that we already possessed, and then WE GAVE it as a gift to Heavenly Father. Instead, faith in Christ, is a GIFT that is GIVEN to US by Heavenly Father. It is such a relief to know that our faith in Christ isn't something that we have to "muster up ourselves". Like with everything else in our lives, our faith in Christ, is accomplished with the help of a loving Heavenly Father.
The third lesson taught to students is that a disciples faith in the Savior and spiritual preparation dispels fear. We live in troubled times, but the Lord states "My disciples shall stand in Holy Places, and shall not be moved" (D&C 45:12). "Protected by the Shield of Faith wherewith ye shall be able to quench the fiery darts of the wicked (D&C 27:17) and "prepared the the Gospel of Peace (D&C 27:16). Because the Lords disciples are prepared, they shall not fear (D&C 38:30). This lesson can be applied in all aspects of our lives. If we prepare ourselves, and if we have faith in the Savior, then we shall not fear. We all have important lessons to learn and an eternally important work to do. And in tumultuous times, we will follow the Master.
As part of the lesson, I watched a very powerful video. I will write a partial transcript of it:
"You are in a DPC. There are people who are counting on YOU to gain as much knowledge as you can so you can lead them. You can't see them and they can't see you, but in time...you will help them see who they really are. You will help them learn the gospel of Jesus Christ.
'The work of the world isn't done by extraordinary people. It's done by ordinary people who have learned to work in extraordinary ways.' (President Gordon B. Hinckley).
Life is made up of random encounters: family, friends, strangers. All of whom shape us into who we are today. We are better today because of the ordinary people who have helped in extraordinary ways. 'Ordinary people who consistently and diligently do simple things, will produce extraordinary results'. (Elder Bednar)
We will produce extraordinary results. President Eyring has promised that we will have the capacity to influence others. We will be a lifter, a teacher, and a leader. We will bless our families and our church as we go and serve.
These promises are powerful. We need to be diligent and consistent in order to produce results. YOU can be a disciple leader. What results will YOU produce ???"
What results will I produce??? I want to WILL lead people to Christ. I want to WILL become a leader who leads with a small "L". I want to WILL give hope to others who have none. I want to WILL bring happiness to others. I want to WILL show love, kindness and charity to all who cross my path. I want to WILL be a Disciple Leader.
What results will YOU produce????
Part 2 of what I learned last week in Pathway coming soon!!!
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