Total commitment in the Christian faith refers to the complete and unwavering dedication of a believer to God, His will, and His purposes. This concept is deeply rooted in Scripture and is exemplified through the lives of biblical figures who demonstrated absolute devotion to God.

Biblical Foundation

The call to total commitment is evident throughout the Bible. In the Old Testament, the Shema, found in Deuteronomy 6:5, commands, "Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." This verse underscores the expectation of wholehearted devotion to God, encompassing every aspect of one's being.

In the New Testament, Jesus reiterates this commandment as the greatest, saying, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind" (Matthew 22:37). This reinforces the idea that total commitment involves the heart, soul, and mind, indicating a comprehensive dedication to God.

Examples of Total Commitment

1. Abraham: Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac at God's command (Genesis 22) is a profound example of total commitment. His faith and obedience demonstrated his trust in God's promises, even when faced with the most challenging test.

2. Ruth: Ruth's loyalty to Naomi and her decision to leave her homeland to follow the God of Israel (Ruth 1:16-17) exemplify total commitment. Her declaration, "Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God," highlights her unwavering dedication.

3. Daniel: Daniel's refusal to defile himself with the king's food (Daniel 1:8) and his steadfastness in prayer despite the threat of the lion's den (Daniel 6) illustrate his total commitment to God, prioritizing divine commands over earthly decrees.

4. Paul: The Apostle Paul embodies total commitment through his missionary journeys, sufferings, and writings. In Philippians 3:8, he states, "I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord." His life was marked by a relentless pursuit of Christ and His mission.

The Cost of Total Commitment

Total commitment often involves sacrifice and the willingness to forsake personal desires for the sake of God's kingdom. Jesus addressed this cost in Luke 9:23, saying, "If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me." This call to self-denial and daily cross-bearing signifies the depth of commitment required of His followers.

In Luke 14:33, Jesus further emphasizes, "In the same way, any one of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be My disciple." This radical call to surrender all possessions and priorities underscores the comprehensive nature of total commitment.

The Rewards of Total Commitment

While the cost of total commitment is significant, the rewards are eternal. Jesus promises in Matthew 19:29, "And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for My sake will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life." The assurance of eternal life and divine blessings serves as motivation for believers to pursue total commitment.

Conclusion

Total commitment is a central tenet of the Christian faith, calling believers to a life of complete devotion to God. Through biblical examples and teachings, Scripture provides a clear picture of what it means to be wholly committed to the Lord, highlighting both the cost and the eternal rewards of such dedication.