Strengthen your Discipleship: 17 Quotes + Inspiration -

Gazing at the basil plant in the warm kitchen window sill, I smile at the sight of its large, fragrant leaves growing in abundance.

“Now this is a plant that thrives in the heat,” I remark energetically.

In that moment a peculiar thought entered my mind–a thought and desire that I, too, might have the ability to thrive in the heat. In other words, to thrive under difficult and taxing circumstances.

Hours later, I happened upon a scripture that goes hand in hand with my thoughts on basil and heat and standing strong:

“Thou therefore endure hardness (afflictions, vexations), as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” (2 Timothy 2:3)

A good soldier of Jesus Christ.

That’s what I long to be–a good soldier, and valiant disciple of Jesus Christ.

Following are quotes to support you on your own personal journey of discipleship:

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Examples of Discipleship

If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

Matthew 16:24

Spencer W. Kimball

“When Christ chose this fisherman for his first and chief apostle, he was taking no chances. He picked a diamond in the rough-a diamond that would need to be cut, trimmed, and polished by correction, chastisement, and trials-but nevertheless a diamond of real quality. The Savior knew this apostle could be trusted to receive the keys of the kingdom, the sealing and the loosing power. Like other humans, Peter might make some errors in his developing process, but he would be solid, trustworthy, and dependable as a leader of the kingdom of God.” [“The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball”, 470]

Michelle D. Craig, social media post

“My son received an important invitation from the Holy Ghost, one that has changed me as I have acted on it. As a missionary, he said while praying he had the impression to “get out of his comfort zone, and into the Comforters zone”. That resonated with me. I’ve said it before, but I am learning that Heavenly Father is more interested in my growth as a disciple of Jesus Christ than He is with my comfort. Living in convenience does not bring power. So often it is the little things, a little (or a lot) uncomfortable, done with faith and love of God and others – that change hearts, minds, and even our very natures.”

3 Nephi 5:13

Nephi proclaimed: “Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been called of him to declare his word among his people, that they might have everlasting life.”

Russell M. Nelson

“Who are you? First and foremost, you are a child of God, a child of the covenant, and a disciple of Jesus Christ.” (“Choices for Eternity” [worldwide devotional for young adults, May 15, 2022], broadcasts.ChurchofjesusChrist.org)

Mercy Panner

“Walking the path of discipleship is not easy for me; even on my mission, it wasn’t easy. It takes much time and practice, sometimes little by little but most of the times, failures by failures. There were times, on my mission, I took two steps backwards and one step forward in the path of discipleship, yet I didn’t give up; I strove my best to walk the path of discipleship so that I can make my life disciplined.” [“The Path of Discipleship”]

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How to be a Valiant Disciple of Jesus Christ

Robert D. Hales

“As true disciples seek guidance from the Spirit, they receive inspiration tailored to each encounter. And in every encounter, true disciples respond in ways that invite the Spirit of the Lord.” [“Christian Courage: The Price of Discipleship”, October 2008]

Doctrine and Covenants 45: 32

“But my disciples shall stand in holy places and shall not be moved.”

Michelle D. Craig

“I believe discipleship has as much to do with our hearts as our feet. Taking a stand is not passive. Being not moved is having courage—being confident in Jesus Christ and in His grace—in His ability to change hearts and minds, to make us equal to the things we are being asked to do.”

Robert D. Hales

“Through the years we learn that challenges to our faith are not new, and they aren’t likely to disappear soon. But true disciples of Christ see opportunity in the midst of opposition.” [“Christian Courage: The Price of Discipleship”, October 2008]

Russell M. Nelson

“To do anything well requires effort. Becoming a true disciple of Jesus Christ is no exception. Increasing your faith and trust in Him takes effort. …“Become an engaged learner. Immerse yourself in the scriptures to understand better Christ’s mission and ministry. Know the doctrine of Christ so that you understand its power for your life.” [“Christ Is Risen; Faith in Him Will Move Mountains”, Liahona, May 2021, 103]

Ulisses Soares

“One of the most evident signs that we are drawing closer to the Savior and becoming more like Him is the loving, patient and kind way with which we treat our fellow beings, whatever the circumstances.” [“Followers of the Prince of Peace”, April 2023]

Russell M. Nelson

“True disciples of Jesus Christ are willing to stand out, speak up, and be different from the people of the world. They are undaunted, devoted, and courageous.”

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Robert D. Hales, “Christian Courage: The Price of Discipleship”, October 2008

“We should never confuse boldness with Satan’s counterfeit: overbearance (see Alma 38:12). True disciples speak with quiet confidence, not boastful pride.”

Robert D. Hales

“As true disciples, our primary concern must be others’ welfare, not personal vindication. Questions and criticisms give us an opportunity to reach out to others and demonstrate that they matter to our Heavenly Father and to us. Our aim should be to help them understand the truth, not defend our egos or score points in a theological debate.” [“Christian Courage: The Price of Discipleship”, October 2008]

Neal A. Maxwell

“The most advanced disciples–far from being immune from further instruction–experience even deeper and more constant tutorials.” [“A Disciple’s Life”, Bruce C. Hafen, 544]

“if we are serious about our discipleship, Jesus will eventually request each of us to do those very things which are most difficult for us to do…When the Disciple is fully and ultimately tested, ‘not shrinking’ is more important than surviving, and Jesus is our exemplar.” [347]

The true disciple develops…from accepting, to appreciating, to adoring, and then to emulating Christ.