Carrying Our Cross: Finding Strength in the Path of Discipleship

My brothers and sisters, when I was preparing for my own mission, I thought I knew what 'hard' meant. I thought it was the sleepless nights, the endless study, or the sheer emotional drain of talking to people who didn't believe. But nothing prepared me for the profound weight of the Gospel itself—the weight of the covenant.

It’s a weight that, like the one carried by Jesus on the Via Dolorosa, is heavy. It’s a weight of sacrifice, of persistent effort, and of enduring the pain of misunderstanding. Sometimes, the path of discipleship feels less like a walk toward glory and more like a slow, painful ascent. It feels like the dusty, demanding journey depicted in the video we’re looking at today.

The Weight of the Cross: A Blueprint for the Modern Disciple

When we watch this footage, it’s easy to focus on the dramatic moments—the cries, the crowds, the physical struggle. But if we pause and really look, we see something more profound than just suffering. We see the ultimate act of selflessness. We see a model for what it means to follow Christ in the 21st century, when our 'cross' might not be literal wood, but rather the constant, quiet commitment to the Savior's example.

Being a disciple anywhere, all the time, means recognizing that the cross is carried not just in times of crisis, but in the mundane moments: the patience required when a friend challenges your beliefs; the humility needed to admit you were wrong; the perseverance required to study the scriptures when you are exhausted.

The Savior taught us that the blessings of the gospel are inseparable from the effort. The Spirit doesn't whisper into our ears when we are comfortable; He whispers when we are willing to struggle, when we are ready to *move*—to move forward, even when our legs are tired.

Mission Prep Skill: Practicing the Art of Empathy

If there is one mission-prep skill I want to pass on to the next wave, it is not memorizing verses or knowing the history of the Restoration. It is the practice of radical empathy. The Via Dolorosa is a powerful lesson in seeing the world through another person’s eyes. Christ didn't just *tell* people to follow Him; He met their pain, He shared their grief, and He walked through their suffering.

When you are in the field, whether you are in a personal missionary discussion, or just talking to a neighbor, don't just focus on the Gospel facts. Focus on the person standing in front of you. What is their fear? What is their confusion? What is the underlying pain that makes them resistant? By meeting their pain with empathy first, you open the door for the Spirit to work, allowing the truth of the Gospel to be received like cool water on a scorching day.

We can practice this skill right now. Take five minutes this week to think about someone who has recently been resistant to the Gospel, and instead of preparing a rebuttal, prepare a genuine question about their life. Start there. Start with the person.

Beyond the Drama: Sustaining the Effort

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is not just about grand, dramatic moments; it's about sustained, quiet effort. It’s about the small, consistent choice to be Christlike when no one is watching. It’s about showing up for the covenant, even when we feel broken, even when we feel like we are stumbling along the dusty road.

If you feel overwhelmed by the weight of the work, remember that you don't have to carry it alone. The power of the priesthood, the strength of the quorum, and the unwavering love of the Savior are available to us. Don't forget to lean on your local district leader, your companions, or the support system that surrounds you.

Next Steps for Discipleship

If this passage resonated with you, I encourage you to deepen your understanding of Christ’s role in our lives. Check out the latest Iron Rod reading on Christ's Atonement, which you can access through LivingBook. It provides wonderful context for enduring the journey.

And remember, this movement is built on community. If you’re looking to apply these lessons with your peers, join a Book Club or a Bible Study Group in HolyPlaces. It’s a powerful way to weave deep scripture-discipleship into your weekly routine.

If you have questions about how to apply Christ's example to a specific challenge—say, how to talk to an investigator who is deeply skeptical—don't hesitate to ask Davee. Our AI Investigator co-pilot is ready to walk you through the hard questions and help you craft an answer that is both compassionate and rooted in scripture.

“The strength of the Lord and the power of the Lord shall never be ashamed.” (Inspired by the spirit of the covenants)