Pres. Hunter said, "A successful life . . . requires commitment -- whole-souled, deeply held, eternally cherished commitment to the principles we know to be true in the commandments God has given." Our Commitment to God, Chapter 19 of the manual, was our RS lesson today.
Our Father in Heaven requires our total commitment, not just a contribution. Pres. Hunter talks about how contributions to the gospel of Jesus Christ are important, but "they do not constitute our full offering to God. Ultimately, what our Father in Heaven will require of us is more than a contribution; it is a total commitment, a complete devotion, all that we are and all that we can be." Pres. Hunter explains that this commitment is not just to the Church, but it is a commitment to God that can be seen in our behavior, our personal integrity, and our loyalty to home and family and community, as well as to the Church.
A perfect example of the commitment that Pres. Hunter is talking about can be found in the Old Testament regarding three young Israelites -- Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego. These three young men refused to worship the golden idol that King Nebuchandnezzar had commanded all to worship. They were unwavering and did not hesitate to obey God, even when they knew it would cost them their lives. These three young men were committed to the principles they knew to be true in the commandments that God has given us.
Be committed to obeying the Lord regardless of what others decide to do. Again an example from the scriptures can be found when Joshua was directed to destroy the city of Jericho. Joshua carried out the instructions the Lord had given him. "His commitment was to complete obedience." The miracle of the falling of the walls of Jericho followed. In Joshua's farewell address after many years of being a military and spiritual leader, he told the Israelite's, "Choose you this day whom ye will serve; . . . but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." (Josh. 24:15) Joshua was basically telling his people that no matter the actions or decisions of others, he would not be altered in his commitment to the Lord. He was committed to obedience.
Decide now to choose the path of strict obedience. Obedience is often described as the first law of heaven and it is neccessary for us to be obedient in order for us to be saved. We need to decide now, not when opposition strikes, that we will be strictly obedient to God's commands and the covenants we have made. The scriptures are full of examples of those who react to God's commands in the appropriate way. Abraham, Isaac, Rebekah and Rachel all made the decision to follow the Lord and go and do what he had commanded them. Pres. Hunter urges us, "We should decide now, in the light of the morning, how we will act when the darkness of night and when the storms of temptation arrive."
Belief alone is not sufficient; we also need to do Heavenly Father's will. To say we have a testimony is one thing, but to act on that testimony and go out and serve those in need and be doers of the gospel is entirely different. Jesus tells us, "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." (Matt. 7:21) Pres. Hunter tells us, "We can be religious in worship on the Sabbath day, and we can be religious in our duties on the other six days of the week."
"Living members" strive to have a total commitment. "We know that this is a true and living church institutionally, but am I a true and living member individually?" The following questions will help us analyze our own actions regarding our level of commitment: Am I deeply and fully dedicated to keeping the covenants I have made with the Lord? Am I totally committed to live the gospel and be a doer of the word and not a hearer only? Do I live my religion? Will I remain true? Do I stand firm against Satan's temptations?
Living members strive to have a total commitment. They recognize their duty to press forward. Living members give heed to the Spirit and constantly seek its direction. They put Christ first in their lives. Living members strengthen their brothers and sisters and are anxious to share their joy with others. They love one another and visit those who are sick and afflicted. The ultimate question is: Am I dedicated and committed, a true and living member? Blessings and joy will come to our lives if we strive to be fully committed to God and His Son.
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