In the Old Testament Elijah was facing off with the Gods of Baal, and he finally calls on the Lord to demonstrate His power.  After the people witnessed firsthand the power of God, he then poses one great question and one powerful statement, “How long halt ye between two opinions? If the Lord be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word” (1 Kings 18:21). 

I love Elijah’s question and statement. How do they apply to us as members? I think we can ask ourselves the same things. How committed am I to Christ? Am I a fence-sitter in my efforts? Am I hesitant and doubtful? Am I on the Lord’s side or do I still teeter in my mind? Why is it that some are still uncommitted, unmotivated, and undecided to really serve, live and love the Lord? I echo again Elijah’s great statement, “If the Lord be God follow him.” Remember, “No man can serve two masters” (Matthew 6:24).

What does total commitment to God feel like? It is no longer a state of dilemma. Total commitment is “no more disposition to do evil, but to do good” (Mosiah 5:2). Total commitment is knowing, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13). Total commitment is believing in a God of miracles. Total commitment is “[laying] hold on every good thing” (Moroni 7:21). Total commitment is having “perfect love [cast] out all fear” (Moroni 8:16). Total commitment is everlasting happiness. Total commitment is “[tasting] of God’s love” (Mosiah 4:11). Total commitment is “[paying] the uttermost farthing” (Matthew 5:26).

I remember a young girl at the Gilbert, Arizona temple that reminded me of total commitment. On the day the Gilbert, Arizona temple finally opened for ordinances there was a tremendous amount of excitement. It had been over a five year wait from the day of announcement until the actual temple opening. On the first day the saints were allowed to perform ordinances, I was impressed to hear of one young girl from Gilbert. She and her father arrived at the temple at 2:30 in the morning so she could be one of the first to perform baptisms for her extended family. Proxy baptisms didn’t start that morning until about 5:30 a.m. Her and her father knew this, but it didn’t matter. They had made the decision to be one of the first to perform ordinances in the newly dedicated temple. She was totally committed.