Jesus is our forerunner, he is our exemplar. The path which he marked out we have got to walk in, if we ever expect to dwell with him in his kingdom. We must obey and put our trust in him, knowing that he is the Savior of the world.

If you want to stay close to someone who has been dear to you, but from whom you are separated, you know how to do it. You find a way to speak to him, you listen to him, and you discover ways to do things for each other. The more often this happens, the longer it goes on, the deeper is the bond of affection. If much time passes without the speaking, the listening, and the doing, the bond weakens. Men do not receive the gift of a testimony of the Spirit of the Living God in their hearts unless they seek for it. The principle is: Thou shalt knock and it shall be opened unto thee; thou shalt ask and receive; thou shalt seek if thou wilt find (Matthew 7:7-8). The following are four actions that will bring us closer to our Savior.

Pray
Heavenly Father has not only invited us to speak to him, he has commanded it. The Lord says in the Doctrine and Covenants, "Pray always, and I will pour out my Spirit upon you, and great shall be your blessing" (D&C 19:38.) One of the most important things we can do is to learn to talk to God. We will draw closer to Him when we establish regular lines of communication. Be sincere. Be humble. It isn't like going before the Wizard of Oz, with flashes of fire and a powerful voice, but we should recognize who we are talking to and speak accordingly. Prayer doesn't have to be our fall-back plan when we have done everything else. It should be the first thing we do. Sometimes, when "all I can do is pray," I've done the most important thing. Marion G. Romney said, "Prayer is the instrument of miracles" (Ensign, November 1984, pg 27.) Don't overlook prayer as an essential tool to bring you closer to the Savior.

Study the Scriptures
When I read the Bible I find narrations of many of the Savior's doings, sayings, precepts, and examples. I can only be like Him when I know how He is. To add to the knowledge from the Bible and confirm this testimony, I have the Book of Mormon. I also have the Doctrine and Covenants. In the mouth of two or three witnesses we are told, all things shall be established. If I had no other way to gain light and knowledge, these books alone would satisfy me. They contain truth and testimony. But I do have another method. I can know for myself through personal revelation. Regular immersion in the scriptures will bring an increased sensitivity to the Spirit.

"All of us at some point wonder, "How can I make the scriptures alive in my life?" Occasionally habit or duty will send us to them, but we will have no motivation to read them and they will provide little inspiration. The solution lies in realizing their importance, knowing how to study them and likening them to ourselves and then in doing what they inspire us to do" (Stephen R. Covey, "Likening the Scriptures Unto Ourselves," Ensign, Sept. 1974, 77.)

Don't just read your scriptures, study them. If it helps, fashion a book cover out of a brown paper bag (like you did in junior high) and write the new title, "Exaltation for Dummies" on the cover. Keep a notebook near your scriptures and write down any promptings your receive while reading. Don't be afraid to make notes in your scriptures. Personalize them until you feel you not only own the book, but also the doctrine inside.

Keep the Commandments
It is not only necessary to have his testimony in our hearts, but it is necessary that we should do the things that he has commanded, and the works of righteousness that he did. Those who stop short of this will most assuredly fail. "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 7:21.) Follow the prophet; he does know the way. Attend all your church meetings. Magnify your calling. Go the extra mile. It's cliche, but true. We wlll gain a testimony of the Savior as we strive to do His will. We will be blessed with His power in the very moment that we obey.

Endure Cheerfully
Enduring to the end seems like the hardest thing I have to do. I can endure this afternoon, and perhaps tomorrow, but anything more than that is a stretch. And to expect me to endure cheerfully just might be pushing the limit. A friend recently brought this scripture to my attention: "Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully to all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed" (D&C 123:17.) I am expected to do as much as I can do. I don't have to bake fresh bread and deliver it to the sisters I visit teach every day, but I do have to pray for them. And when I find myself with a free afternoon, baking bread is a good idea. The Lord never asks me to do the impossible, but He does expect me to stretch. I can endure, and smile, and trust that His arm will be revealed. Peace comes when I carry on, every day, with everything I have to give that day and don't berate myself when I'm less than I wanted to be. "There are depths in the sea which the storms that lash the surface into fury never reach. They who reach down into the depths of life where, in the stillness, the voice of God is heard, have the stabilizing power which carries them poised and serene through the hurricane of difficulties" (Spencer W. Kimball, "The Rewards, the Blessings, the Promises," Ensign, Jan. 1974, 14.)

When we knock, he will answer. When we reach out, he will be there. Find a way, find the time, find the reasons why being close to your Savior is worth the reach. He is waiting and He is worth it.