Of all the defining characteristics which Mormon could have used to describe himself, “disciple of Jesus Christ” was his choice. He could have used the term prophet, general, abridger, or historian, but discipleship was the premier concept to him. The calling of a disciple is the first and most important calling which any of us could ever hope to receive. Given at baptism, it is a calling which endures as long as we do. Hopefully, like Mormon, we consider it to be our defining characteristic, and we understand what it takes to be a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
"Disciple is a term that denotes pupil or learner, an adherent to the principles and doctrine espoused by a teacher. To be a disciple of Jesus Christ, as He taught, is no trivial matter.
“Christ unequivocally declared the cost of discipleship when He said, ’Whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.’ (Luke 14:33.) In other words, to be His disciple requires absolute, unrestrained devotion to His teachings and a sacrifice of all that is necessary to maintain such commitment.” (Church News, 12/27/97)
Elder Stephen A. West
“’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’…I can rarely say that scripture without choking up. I think it says everything about what I want to be and do.” (Ensign, May 1998, p. 108)