Article January 7, 1911 Issue

TRUE DISCIPLESHIP

EVELYN SYLVESTER KNOWLES

To be a disciple is to be a follower of some teacher or school; it is to be a "learner." Formed from the same root as discipline, the word might suggest that a true disciple is one who is seeking to follow accurately and consistently an appointed line of investigation. When the character of the subject studied is exalted and the application to it is voluntary and conscientious, discipleship cannot fail to have a deep significance. It is apparent, however, that should a student fail in his effort to learn, or use unwisely the knowledge gained, the loss is entirely his own, and neither the teacher nor the teaching is affected by it or responsible for it.

The greatest teacher the world has yet seen was Jesus the Christ, because he taught the highest truth and lived what he taught; hence to be his disciple is a divine privilege as well as a sacred responsibility. Jesus gave a brief yet comprehensive definition of discipleship when he said, "If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed." This definition emphasizes the necessity of faithful, persistent effort, and the importance of resisting every temptation to let personal opinion usurp the place of the word, the demonstrable truth he taught. First we must hear the word; next we must understand it, and finally we must faithfully apply it. Thus only may we "continue" in it.

The matter of hearing appears simple enough, but were it really so, the Master would not so earnestly have enjoined us to take heed what we hear, nor have declared, "They that hear shall live." Had mortals sedulously cultivated that spiritual discernment urged upon them by daily experience, they would not have needed the warning, "Take heed what ye hear." Jesus saw that error would be offered in the guise of truth, and that the heedless would be likely to accept spurious teaching, and time has proved the correctness of his foresight. Many "false prophets" have indeed arisen, and if one be not watchfully and prayerfully listening for that unfailing inner voice, he may be drawn away from the true path.

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