Choose Devotion

In the morning, do you get up and do your “devotions”? Have you ever purchased a “devotional” by which you obtain daily encouragement in your walk with the Lord? And while we refer to these acts in terms of “devotion” – are we really, truly DEVOTED? We can begin to answer this question by simply looking at the definition of the word itself.

Devotion – profound dedication; consecration; earnest attachment to a cause, a person, etc.

By this definition, we can look at our culture and find that Americans are devoted to many things. Just one such example would be those who are devoted to their health. They spend their time and money on health club memberships, personal trainers, health foods, vitamins, a wardrobe of work-out clothing, etc. These health-conscious devotees are willing to rise early in the morning to get in their work-out before their day begins. They are willing to experience short-term discomfort – physical aches, pains, and sweat – in order to achieve the long-term goal of a healthier, slimmer, toned body. The end goal is entirely worth their full devotion.

As Christians, are we just as devoted to Christ Himself – and his cause? As we look around at our culture and easily identify devotion to a plethora of things – whether it be celebrity gossip, TV shows, an exercise regime, political advocacy, a job, family, having the latest, greatest technology, or keeping up with the Joneses – can our culture look at US and find that we are wholly devoted to Christ?

Are you willing to spend your time and money on Jesus Christ and the spreading of the Gospel? Are you willing to rise early in the morning to ensure you spend time with Him? Are you willing to experience short-term discomfort – whether that be a missions trip, or sharing your faith with a co-worker, or giving financially to those in need, or suffering an injustice in patient humility, etc. – in order to achieve the long-term goal of an intimate relationship with Christ and the resulting influence in the lives of those around you?

Let us choose today to follow the example of those who came before us: Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. – Acts 2:41-42