“For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow in his steps.” (1 Peter 2:21)

Jesus Christ is the great Exemplar—the only perfect and universal example for every man, woman, or child on the earth. No honest seeker after truth can fail to find happiness and success in life by faithfully following His example. But in our quest to follow ‘in His steps’, how do we proceed? There is a simple pattern that will bring great results in our efforts to follow the Savior. To gain the change which we desire as disciples of Christ will come by studying His example, examining our lives in prayer, and acting on the guidance we receive.

First, we must study His example.

“For how knoweth a man the master whom he has not served, and who is a stranger unto him, and is far from the thoughts and intents of his heart?” (Mosiah 5:13).

Daily immersion in the words of Christ brings an intuitive understanding of His character, perfections, and attributes. When the events and experiences of the Savior’s earthly ministry are fresh and present in our minds, we can ponder them, and apply them to the circumstances we face. We can find wisdom to follow His heavenly example.

Second, we must examine our lives. Joseph Smith said

“Search your hearts, and see if you are like God. I have searched mine, and feel to repent of all my sins” (Teaching of Joseph Smith, p. 72).

It is a hard thing to honestly compare our lives to the example of the Savior and see our sins, our faults, and our insufficiencies. But in our honest desires to serve God, there is no other path that will take us in His steps. Quiet reflection and pleading in prayer will bring insight and understanding into what aspects of our lives are most in need of heavenly help. If we ask to know, God will grant us an understanding of our faults. If we turn to Him for help, he will guide us to know what to do to repair them.

“And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them” (Ether 12:27).

As we discover our faults, it could be easy to become discouraged. Instead, it is far better to trust in God, and to take action to change. If we struggle with idleness, we can begin to work and labor. If we struggle with feelings of dislike to another, we can begin to serve them and compliment them on their good qualities. If we struggle with our thoughts, we can memorize hymns or verses of scripture to recite in times of temptation. For whatever our faults may be, as we turn to God, we can find positive actions which will form our character for good.

Day by day, as we follow this pattern of studying the perfect example of the Lord, examining our lives in prayer, and acting on the guidance we receive, we will progress in our strivings to walk ‘in his steps’. In time, we will be sanctified in Christ, and our lives will be filled with peace and joy.