I love how President Uchtdorf talks about being committed."Those who are only sort of committed may expect to only sort of receive the blessings of testimony, joy, and peace. The windows of heaven might only be sort of open to them. Wouldn’t it be foolish to think, “I’ll commit myself 50 percent now, but when Christ appears at the Second Coming, I’ll commit myself 100 percent”?
I have thought about this a lot since we got married. I remember when we were talking to the temple Sealer before our wedding and how many times then, and during the ceremony he said that all the blessings were dependent upon our faithfulness. What a huge responsibility. I feel like our family has been so blessed with so many things and sometimes I wonder if I have the faith necessary to make it through trials that may come. I have had a couple experiences with our kids, or through watching others that helps me realize I need to strengthen my faith and be fully committed so that when trials do come I am strong enough to get through them, and 100% committed so I can receive 100% of the blessings my Father in Heaven has for me and my family. Especially when there are hard times.
Anyway, those are just a few of my thoughts. I remember the talk in conference from a while ago. Don't remember who it was by, or when, but it talked about sharing your testimony with your family. I don't think I will ever stand in front of you and say I would like to bear my testimony....(unless we are in church together). But I did want each of you to know that I have one. I know that it is through Christ that we can make it through our trials, whether they are visible to those around us, or not. Christ knows what we are going through and he is there for us no matter what. He is fully committed to us and I love the strength that gives me. It has given me so much comfort as we prepare to move to England. It is overwhelming sometimes thinking about being so far from family, our country, our home and everything that is familiar to us. When I get overwhelmed thinking about this I try to remember to turn to my Father in Heaven in prayer and I have been comforted so many times by the love he has to offer. It just makes me that much more grateful and committed.
Brother I'm Committed by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Two young brothers stood atop a small cliff that overlooked the pristine waters of a blue lake. This was a popular diving spot, and the brothers had often talked about making the jump—something they had seen others do.
Although they both wanted to make the jump, neither one wanted to be first. The height of the cliff wasn’t that great, but to the two young boys, it seemed the distance increased whenever they started to lean forward—and their courage was fading fast.
Finally, one brother put one foot at the edge of the cliff and moved decisively forward. At that moment his brother whispered, “Maybe we should wait until next summer.”
The first brother’s momentum, however, was already pulling him forward. “Brother,” he responded, “I’m committed!”
He splashed into the water and surfaced quickly with a victorious shout. The second brother followed instantly. Afterward, they both laughed about the first boy’s final words before plunging into the water: “Brother, I’m committed.”
Commitment is a little like diving into the water. Either you are committed or you are not. Either you are moving forward or you are standing still. There’s no halfway. We all face moments of decision that change the rest of our lives. As members of the Church, we must ask ourselves, “Will I dive in or just stand at the edge? Will I step forward or merely test the temperature of the water with my toes?”
Some sins are committed because we do wrong; other sins are committed because we do nothing. Being only sort of committed to the gospel can lead to frustration, unhappiness, and guilt. This should not apply to us because we are a covenant people. We make covenants with the Lord when we are baptized and when we enter the house of the Lord. Men make covenants with the Lord when they are ordained to the priesthood. Nothing can be more important than keeping a commitment we have made with the Lord. Let us remember the reply of Rachel and Leah to Jacob in the Old Testament. It was simple and straightforward and showed their commitment: “Whatsoever God hath said unto thee, do” (Genesis 31:16).
Those who are only sort of committed may expect to only sort of receive the blessings of testimony, joy, and peace. The windows of heaven might only be sort of open to them. Wouldn’t it be foolish to think, “I’ll commit myself 50 percent now, but when Christ appears at the Second Coming, I’ll commit myself 100 percent”?
Commitment to our covenants with the Lord is a fruit of our conversion. Commitment to our Savior and His Church builds our character and strengthens our spirit so that when we meet Christ, He will embrace us and say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21).
There is a difference between intention and action. Those who only intend to commit may find excuses at every turn. Those who truly commit face their challenges squarely and say to themselves, “Yes, that would be a very good reason to delay, but I made covenants, and so I will do what I have committed to do.” They search the scriptures and earnestly seek the guidance of their Father in Heaven. They accept and magnify their Church callings. They attend their meetings. They do their home or visiting teaching.( I have so much to do in this department. I am so good at talking myself out of following my promptings to call someone, or write a note or card, or take something to someone. Blake is my example in this. He is so good at thinking of others.)
A German proverb says, “Promises are like the full moon. If they are not kept at once, they diminish day by day.” As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we have committed to walk in the path of discipleship. We have committed to follow the example of our Savior. Imagine how the world will be blessed and transformed for good when all members of the Lord’s Church live up to their true potential—converted in the depth of their souls and committed to building the kingdom of God.
In some way, each of us stands at a decision point overlooking the water. It is my prayer that we will have faith, move forward, face our fears and doubts with courage, and say to ourselves, "I’m committed!"
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