Sunday Evening Memoir 04.30.2023: "Discipleship"

Disciple: A pupil or learner; a name used to denote all followers of Jesus Christ.

There came a time during my late teen years when I knew that I needed to change things in my life- not that I was guilty of any great sins, but that I needed to direct my efforts more towards becoming a consistent disciple of our Savior Jesus Christ.  It just so happened that I was arriving at the age of missionary service and I still was not too sure that I wanted to go out to some place unknown to me and teach the Gospel.  But, the Spirit works  in marvelous ways and created for me an opportunity to make my own decision and to fully commit myself to the cause!  

An inspired Bishop also helped me along the way and spent considerable time with me in his office getting to know me better and at the same time teaching me by the Spirit.  In time, I received a mission call, signed by President Spencer W. Kimball, assigning me to the Hawaii-Honolulu Mission.  

Spencer W. Kimball

Having grown up in a home with little Gospel teaching, my experience at the Missionary Training Center (MTC) was incredible!  Our district was told on our first day there of a quote by President Ezra Taft Benson (then president of the Quorum of the Twelve) in which he told those at the MTC that the Lord's Spirit walks the halls there.  I felt it!  It was only a short three weeks that I was there, but I felt something special each and every day- even amidst my getting carried away with having occasional fun.  Being able to memorize things quickly I often had extra time on my hands in the classroom and couldn't resist joking around with the other Elders.  After a Tuesday evening devotional by Elder Rex D. Pinegar (Seventy) he stayed to greet and shake hands with all the missionaries that desired to do so.  I got into the line.  When it was my turn to greet him all I could say was my name and where I was from (I was extremely nervous).  He then looked me in the eyes and said something which I'm sure he said to many others that evening: "Elder Johnson, we need you!".  It was simple but it resonated with me.  

Elder Pinegar

MTC group at Mission Christmas Party

Arriving in the islands, and then being assigned to labor on Maui in Kahului, everything was a blur for the first few days.  As we went to our first Sunday meetings I kept thinking of how back at home I was always trying to cut out after sacrament meeting as I felt that the three-hour block was just too darn long.  I then made a promise in my heart that day with the Lord that I would from that time forward make every effort to attend ALL of the meetings that I needed to attend.  I soon found that as I was more focused on the Savior that any meeting held something spiritual for me- even if the person teaching or instructing was having a difficult time doing so.  

Kahului Stake Center

After returning home, I knew just how important it was going to be for me to continue doing the things I had learned to do during the previous eighteen months; along with regular attendance at the Temple.  I was imperfect, but I always tried to give it my best.  

One thing that I have always remembered, and which I attempt to do each day (imperfectly) is to always remember Jesus Christ in every thought.  It's so easy for the worldly distractions and concerns to take center stage- so then it requires greater effort to keep Him always in my thoughts.  

Also, somehow I just knew that if I were to ever become forgetful or casual with my personal prayers, that I would probably lose the spiritual strength that can sometimes be so fleeting.  During my UHP years as I got myself ready and put on the required uniform each day, along with the gun belt and vest- all of which provided me with protection- I also felt it needful to arm myself with the protective power of faith, and so I would try to kneel and ask not only for physical protection, but for spiritual protection as well.  

If we will spiritually tune in and give our very best to be a devoted disciple and follower of the Savior, we can know His voice (by the whisperings of the Holy Ghost), and as many of you have experienced, He knows us each individually and by name!!! (John 10:27).  It has been my personal experience that we can maintain this blessing by finding ourselves on "The Covenant Path", and by making the needed adjustments whenever necessary.  

Finally, I have heard it said before that a person should never be so sure of himself so as to say something like: "I will never stray off the path for any reason".  I took that to mean that pride or arrogance could precede my downfall if I am not careful.  Instead, I feel to say: "Heavenly Father, please help me to see and overcome my weaknesses.  And if I start to falter please intervene and guide me back to where I need to be".  Anyone of us can easily struggle along the Covenant Path as we move through life.  It is not always stepping off the path, but sometimes it simply means that we have just stalled somewhere along the path.  I have experienced these to one degree or another, but as always there will be a gentle warning from the Spirit to make corrections.  

I love you all!!!