Patterns of Discipleship

Good afternoon brothers and sisters. I am grateful to be with you. Whereas it is my position in the ward to ask others to speak in these meetings, I think it is only fair to volunteer myself every once in a while to speak as well. I have been praying and pondering for quite some time on what I can teach from this pulpit (Jacob 1:19). I pray that in this hour of remembrance of the ultimate miracle, that of Christ’s Atonement, that we may all connect with heaven and accept His sanctifying, redeeming love. And I pray for divine assistance as I share my prepared message with you – that the Holy Spirit may teach and comfort you.

Today I wish to speak about patterns. I am fascinated by patterns. In moments of stillness they are easy to see and they appear everywhere. Patterns in the leaves on the trees. Patterns of the wrinkles on pumpkins, or around someone's smiling eyes. Patterns of behavior of family, friends and roommates: like a mother always hugging a child after they return home from school; or a knowing which roommate just got home because he is always singing.

But more importantly, the scriptures themselves are written “according to the pattern given by the finger God” (Moses 6:46). Our loving Heavenly Father, knowing that His plan of happiness would separate us from His presence temporarily, blesses us with patterns. These patterns weave meaning to our experiences. They act as recognizable proofs of God’s existence and give us assurance that He is here, loving us and guiding our lives. Divine patterns allow us to see, hear and witness God on Earth. Divine patterns can guide us in knowing which sources to trust. Patterns such as restoration after apostasy, deliverance after remembrance, testimony after experiment and freedom after obedience. 

My mother is a quilter and carpenter. My childhood home is filled with many of her wonderful creations. She is a master of geometry, often putting together patterns of various, complex and small shapes in her work. Some of my most peaceful memories as a boy come from sitting on the floor in our home, having just made a fort using one of my mothers quilts and mindfully enjoying their designs. Or running my hands along the banister or the trim on the walls and feeling the patterns she put into the wood. But perhaps the most meaningful pattern I have observed from my mother is that of her consistent example of discipleship. She, alongside my father, built a resilient home, creating patterns in the lives of their children, patterns in my life of daily prayer, scripture study and repentance. They have consistently shown compassion to me, especially in my lowest moments. They truly have come to a unity of heart with one another and with God, their hearts knit together through intentional, repeated acts of charity. (Moses 7:18, Mosiah 18:21, Colossians 2:2, 1 Samuel 18:1).

I, like all of you, am in a place in life where I must stand on my own. My time at home was wonderful but has passed. While they remain helpful, I can no longer rely on my parents, priesthood leaders or friends to make things right in my life. Our lives, in a very real sense, are now entirely our own. Who we are and who we will become is our choice. Will we become like the good role models in our lives? Will we become like the Savior? Or will we choose something different? This is a most important choice, one that we cannot avoid or postpone making. I know that for some, if not all of us it may feel far, but time is soon coming when children will be born into our families who will need our help to stand and acquire faith and knowledge of their own. I often ponder on the lives of those little ones yet to be. If they see me now from their heavenly perch, what patterns do they see in the life that I am living? Are they apprehensive or relieved that I will be their father? In my life, is it easy to see a pattern of repentance? Is it obvious to them that I strive to make decisions under the influence of the Holy Ghost? Do they see that I consistently act in integrity and in purity? Is there a defined, clear pattern of getting back up every time I fall short and recommitting my life to Jesus again and again and again? Do they see that my duty is to the church forever, and this because of them, because of my family (D&C 23:3)?

How do you answer these questions? In my own personal life it has sometimes been difficult to come up satisfying answers. When you are struggling to know if you want to begin or continue to pattern your life after Christlike discipleship it is important to return, reflect and recognize the pattern of God’s hand in your life. As I mentioned before, the patterns of God on the earth and in our personal lives are evidence of His reality and assurances of His love and His plan for our redemption. I feel impressed to share with you some personal experiences I have had in noticing God’s patterns and how these realizations have strengthened my testimony and my resolve to seek after the things of righteousness. (Abraham 1:2)

As a young boy I loved the journal. There were many years where I did not miss a day. These boyhood journals have become treasures filled with powerful examples of God’s power and influence in my life. I often read the Book of Mormon every night before writing in my journal. I have been intrigued and touched as I have reviewed these entries of early testimony. Before I could understand the complex stories of the Nephites and could provide my own commentary on them I simply wrote about the joy, the goodness and peace I felt while reading in the Book of Mormon. Pattern number one - I know with absolute surety, the Book of Mormon brings light and peace into my life.

Second, as a young man I was blessed to live within 15 minutes of a temple. For many years I would attend weekly. After a while I noticed a pattern in my attendance - I see or hear my name every time. It has become reliable evidence that God sees me, and that He wants me worshipping, learning in His house. I have now been attending the temple for 13 years and even as late as my last visit the pattern remains. Pattern number two, God sees my efforts, and He rejoices when I come to the temple. 

Next, when I learn the stories of my ancestors who came before me I am in awe of their resilience and can clearly see divine movement in their experiences. Just as patterns repeat themselves, making the next one predictable, I feel overwhelmingly confident and optimistic for the outcome of my life because of the patterns of happiness, deliverance and peace I find in the stories of my family before me. Pattern number three, God is good for His promises, just as generations before us have been blessed, we can expect with absolute confidence the same from Him now.

Fourth, ministering to others and working in God’s kingdom brings light into my life and sanctifies my soul. A few years ago I fell into a deep depression. It felt as though my life stopped moving. Every morning was a burden and every meal a challenge. One of my neighbors, who happened to be in the bishopric at the time, saw me and invited me to join him every Wednesday to visit members of the ward. From the first night, I saw miracles. I do not have time to share in detail these experiences but the timing of our visits and our exact ability to meet the needs of our ward brothers and sisters  were precise every time. I saw God working among His children and it filled my soul with light and hope. Over time, as we consistently prayed and sought after the one, the light returned to my life and it has continued to increase in greater brilliance and clarity. Pattern number four, joining God in His work invites light into our lives, through which we can see Him with dazzling clarity and feel joy. (C.S Lewis).

Lastly, when I confess my sins and daily strive to repent, I am filled with love, acceptance and forgiveness. When I partake of the sacrament I feel refreshed and cleansed. These blessings come every time. I bear witness to you that the Savior lives, and that His power is mighty and it is real. He is in relentless pursuit of you (Kearon 2024). Pattern number 5, when you turn to Him, He is there every single time. 

I pray for you. I pray that you will receive answers to your prayers and peace and hope instead of fear. I pray that you can see countless patterns all around you that are a witness of God and that invite you to come to Him. I pray that we can pattern our lives as disciples of Jesus Christ. I pray that you can be filled with His love. 

In His name, Jesus Christ, amen.