What is the measure of success for a sincere disciple of Christ?
Is it conversion?
Is it acceptance?
Is it peace?
In reading the last couple weeks’ of Come Follow Me lessons, would that criteria prove the efforts of Christ’s New Testament disciples as successful?
It probably depends on WHO is converted, finds acceptance and is at peace.
Clearly, the story of Stephen tells us the crowds were not converted, they didn’t accept him or his message. In fact, he endured barbaric persecution for speaking truth. The mob was not peaceful, but Stephen’s final words in mortality testify that he was at peace. (Acts 7:60)
Sharing truth, especially those found in the inspired “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” can be especially hard to share right now when many consider it hateful to do so. But we are invited to “promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society.”
Perhaps Stephen would have liked to move on to another more accepting crowd, but this week’s lesson reminds us that “God is no respecter of persons.” (Acts 10:34) He wants all of His children to hear the saving gospel of Jesus Christ, the plan of happiness and its restored truths.
President Nelson has reminded us that there is nothing more important happening right now than the gathering of those who are willing to let God prevail in their lives. That means there are also those who are not willing to do so.
Surely, one measure of success for a disciple of Christ, is found in a sincere desire to share His good news, regardless of outcomes.