Giving It All: What '100%' Really Means for the Work

There are moments when the weight of the covenant feels so immense, so profound, that you almost hesitate. You stand at the threshold of something sacred—maybe it’s a challenging mission discussion, perhaps it’s dedicating yourself to a new book of scripture study, or maybe it’s just the quiet preparation for the next transfer.

I remember feeling that hesitation myself. I remember thinking, 'Am I ready to give everything? Will I actually have enough?' It’s a feeling every disciple knows, especially when we’re called to do something that requires us to leave the comfort zone—to step out into the field, or even just into the quiet moments of personal study.

Then you hear a song like Phil Wickham’s “100%.” It’s not just catchy; it’s a spiritual mirror. It forces you to look at what you’ve been holding back, what you’ve been treating as optional, and measure it against the infinite worth of the Savior.

The Cost of Commitment

The lyrics hit home: “I’m a little scared to sing this song / Cause I know it’s coming with a cost.”

When we talk about being an internet missionary, or when we are preparing for the rigors of MTC, or even just trying to be better disciples in our local wards, we often think of 'effort.' We think of study hours, or the number of talks we need to prepare. But this song reminds us that the cost isn't just *effort*; it’s *surrender*. It’s the willingness to trade in the 'star'—the thing we think gives us security or status—to gain the 'universe' that Christ offers.

This principle of complete surrender is the heart of preach my gospel. It means showing up to the work, whether you are in a designated field or right here in your living room, and giving the Lord the absolute best of your heart, without reservation. It means realizing that nothing we have, nothing we *think* we have, is greater than what He has already given us through the gospel.

Being Christlike in Every Moment

If you’re feeling stretched thin right now—maybe balancing work, family, and your desire to deepen your gospel knowledge—I want you to focus on the 'giving it back' aspect. The song says, “Nothing I have You didn’t give me first / And I gladly give it all back.”

This is the essence of being Christlike. It’s not about earning favor; it’s about recognizing the gift and giving it back in service. When we approach our gospel learning—whether it’s diving into Isaiah studies or working through a Book Club in HolyPlaces—we should approach it with that same emptying spirit. We are not gathering knowledge for our own resume; we are gathering it to better serve the Lord and our fellow disciples.

If you’re feeling the pull to deepen your understanding of the Plan of Salvation, I highly recommend revisiting the teachings on covenants. If you haven't already, check out some of the foundational writings available in LivingBook. Sometimes, a solid refresher on the principles helps quiet the anxieties that make us scared to sing the song!

A Little Challenge for the Week

As you reflect on this song this week, I invite you to take a moment of quiet reflection. What is one area—a habit, a worry, a small attachment—that you are willing to "lay at the altar" for the Lord this week? Don't overthink it; just name it. That act of naming it is the first step of surrender.

If you want to talk through those big, hard questions—the ones that pop up when you’re trying to understand the doctrine or the callings—I’d love for you to connect with me, or better yet, check out Davee. He's ready to walk you through some tricky investigator questions using his AI Investigator role. It’s perfect practice for any of us who want to be better internet missionaries!

For those who are ready to dive deeper into doctrine with others, don't forget about the Bible Study Groups in HolyPlaces. It’s a wonderful way to build up in the Spirit together.

Keep sharing the light, brothers and sisters. We are all disciples, all the time.