In the Bible, “wholly” indicates completeness or totality, often referring to being fully devoted or dedicated to God. It signifies the intention of giving oneself entirely without reservation, as seen in passages like Deuteronomy 6:5, which calls for loving the Lord with all one’s heart, soul, and might.
Scripture
4 “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.
5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.
6 And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart.
7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.
8 You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes.
9 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
Biblical Meaning of Wholly
The concept of “wholly,” as found in the Bible, speaks to the total devotion and commitment expected from believers in their relationship with God. This notion is echoed in Deuteronomy 6:5, where it commands, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.” Here, “wholly” emphasizes not just a part or fraction of one’s being but the entirety of one’s existence, including emotional, spiritual, and physical commitment. The Hebrew understanding of the heart (lev) encompasses thoughts and intentions, while soul (nephesh) refers to one’s very life essence. This holistic call for love implies that God desires more than mere ritualistic adherence to laws; He seeks a profound, all-encompassing relationship that influences a believer’s entire lifestyle.
Furthermore, the New Testament reiterates this principle, as seen in Matthew 22:37-38, where Jesus reaffirms the commandment, identifying it as the greatest. This continued emphasis suggests that being wholly devoted is not merely an Old Testament ideal but a central tenet of Christian faith. The call to be wholly devoted reflects a life marked by steadfast obedience and faithfulness, seen in figures like Caleb, described in Numbers 14:24 as having “a different spirit” and being “wholly followed” the Lord. The broader implication of “wholly” invites believers toward a transformative commitment that shapes their motives, actions, and service, ultimately aligning their lives with God’s will and purpose. It is an invitation to embrace a life free from duplicity, passionately pursuing a relationship with God that is sincere and comprehensive.
The biblical theme of being “wholly” devoted continues to manifest in various contexts throughout scripture, underscoring a lifestyle that prioritizes God above all else. For instance, in 1 Kings 8:61, Solomon exhorts the people to have their hearts wholly devoted to the Lord, establishing a direct link between heart alignment and obedience to God’s commands. This call to integrity is reinforced in the context of worship, suggesting that a genuine relationship with God manifests not only in internal belief but also in outward actions that reflect His principles.
Additionally, Colossians 3:23 instructs believers to work heartily as if they are serving the Lord and not man, emphasizing that every effort should come from a place of total dedication. This perspective illustrates that being wholly devoted transcends worship gatherings—it’s an all-encompassing commitment that influences the mundane aspects of life. The idea is further amplified through the life of early Christians, evidenced in Acts 4:32, where the community shared resources, embodying a unity that stems from their shared, unwavering focus on living out their faith collectively. In all these examples, the essence of “wholly” is not merely an abstract ideal; it is a practical, everyday approach that permeates all dimensions of life, urging believers to reflect God’s love and mission through their thoughts, decisions, and interactions with others.
Total Commitment to God
In the Bible, the term “wholly” signifies a complete and total commitment to God. This encompasses not just a surface-level devotion but an all-encompassing surrender of one’s heart, mind, and soul. It implies that believers are called to engage fully in their relationship with God, prioritizing Him above all else. This total commitment is seen as essential for spiritual growth and fulfillment, as it allows individuals to align their lives with divine purpose and guidance.
Integrity in Actions and Beliefs
The concept of being “wholly” also extends to the integrity of one’s actions and beliefs. It suggests that a person should not only profess faith but also live it out consistently in their daily life. This integrity reflects a genuine alignment between what one believes and how one behaves, promoting authenticity in the believer’s walk with God. Wholeness in this sense encourages individuals to embody their faith in every aspect of their lives, fostering a holistic approach to spirituality.
Unity of Heart and Mind
Another broader meaning of “wholly” in the biblical context relates to the unity of heart and mind. It emphasizes the importance of having a singular focus on God, where both emotional and intellectual aspects of a person are directed towards Him. This unity fosters a deeper understanding of God’s will and a more profound experience of His presence. It encourages believers to seek harmony between their thoughts and feelings, leading to a more integrated and fulfilling spiritual life.
How to Deepen Your Commitment as a Christian
Deepening your commitment as a Christian is a journey that requires both intention and action, and it often begins with a sincere desire to grow closer to God. Start by immersing yourself in Scripture; let the Word of God speak to you daily, guiding your thoughts and actions. Consider setting aside time for prayer, not just as a routine, but as a heartfelt conversation with your Creator, where you can express your gratitude, seek guidance, and listen for His voice. Engaging in a community of believers can also enrich your faith—join a small group or volunteer in your church to build relationships that encourage accountability and support. Lastly, reflect on how you can serve others, as Jesus taught us to love our neighbors; acts of kindness and service can deepen your faith and help you live out the love of Christ in tangible ways. Remember, this journey is not about perfection but about progress, so be patient with yourself as you grow in your commitment.
Bible References to Wholly Devoted Living:
Joshua 14:8-14: 8 But my brothers who went up with me made the heart of the people melt; yet I wholly followed the Lord my God.
9 And Moses swore on that day, saying, ‘Surely the land on which your foot has trodden shall be an inheritance for you and your children forever, because you have wholly followed the Lord my God.’
10 And now, behold, the Lord has kept me alive, just as he said, these forty-five years since the time that the Lord spoke this word to Moses, while Israel walked in the wilderness. And now, behold, I am this day eighty-five years old.
11 I am still as strong today as I was in the day that Moses sent me; my strength now is as my strength was then, for war and for going and coming.
12 So now give me this hill country of which the Lord spoke on that day; for you heard on that day how the Anakim were there, with great fortified cities. It may be that the Lord will be with me, and I shall drive them out just as the Lord said.
13 Then Joshua blessed him, and he gave Hebron to Caleb the son of Jephunneh for an inheritance.
14 Therefore Hebron became the inheritance of Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite to this day, because he wholly followed the Lord, the God of Israel.
1 Kings 8:61-66: 61 Let your heart therefore be wholly true to the Lord our God, walking in his statutes and keeping his commandments, as at this day.”
62 Then the king, and all Israel with him, offered sacrifice before the Lord.
63 Solomon offered as peace offerings to the Lord 22,000 oxen and 120,000 sheep. So the king and all the people of Israel dedicated the house of the Lord.
64 The same day the king consecrated the middle of the court that was before the house of the Lord, for there he offered the burnt offering and the grain offering and the fat pieces of the peace offerings, because the bronze altar that was before the Lord was too small to receive the burnt offering and the grain offering and the fat pieces of the peace offerings.
65 So Solomon held the feast at that time, and all Israel with him, a great assembly, from Lebo-hamath to the Brook of Egypt, before the Lord our God, seven days.
66 On the eighth day he sent the people away, and they blessed the king and went to their homes joyful and glad of heart for all the goodness that the Lord had shown to David his servant and to Israel his people.
2 Chronicles 15:15-19: 15 And all Judah rejoiced over the oath, for they had sworn with all their heart and had sought him with their whole desire, and he was found by them, and the Lord gave them rest all around.
16 Even Maacah, his mother, King Asa removed from being queen mother because she had made a detestable image for Asherah. Asa cut down her image, crushed it, and burned it at the brook Kidron.
17 But the high places were not taken out of Israel. Nevertheless, the heart of Asa was wholly true all his days.
18 And he brought into the house of God the sacred gifts of his father and his own sacred gifts, silver, and gold, and vessels.
19 And there was no more war until the thirty-fifth year of the reign of Asa.
Psalm 119:1-8: 1 Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord!
2 Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart.
3 They do not walk in the way of the wicked.
4 You have commanded your precepts to be kept diligently.
5 Oh that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes!
6 Then I shall not be put to shame, having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.
7 I will praise you with an upright heart, when I learn your righteous rules.
8 I will keep your statutes; do not utterly forsake me!
Proverbs 3:5-10: 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
7 Be not wise in your own eyes;
fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.
8 It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.
9 Honor the Lord with your wealth
and with the firstfruits of all your produce;
10 then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.
Isaiah 26:3-4: 3 You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.
4 Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.
Jeremiah 29:11-14: 11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.
13 You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.
14 I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile.
Matthew 22:36-40: 36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?”
37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”
38 This is the great and first commandment.
39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
40 On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.
Mark 12:28-34: 28 And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him, “Which commandment is the most important of all?”
29 Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.
30 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.
31 The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”
32 And the scribe said to him, “You are right, Teacher. You have truly said that he is one, and there is no other besides him.
33 And to love him with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself, is much more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.”
34 And when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And after that no one dared to ask him any more questions.
Luke 10:25-28: 25 And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”
26 He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?”
27 And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.”
28 And he said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.”
Romans 12:1-2: 1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20: 19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own,
20 for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.
2 Corinthians 5:17-21: 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation;
19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.
20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.
21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Ephesians 4:1-6: I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called,
2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,
3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—
5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism
6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
Philippians 3:12-16: 12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.
13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,
14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
15 Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you.
16 Only let us hold true to what we have attained.
Colossians 3:12-17: 12 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,
13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.
14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.
15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24: 23 Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.
Hebrews 10:19-25: 19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus,
20 by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh,
21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God,
22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.
24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,
25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
James 1:2-8: 2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,
3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.
7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord;
8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.