I recently had the opportunity to teach on Devotion at a school of ministry. Thought I’d pass the highlights on to you.
Devotion
If you ever wondered where the idea of devotion comes from, it’s God. Devotion is part of his being, flowing from his heart. God doesn’t change, and he doesn’t lie. From before the foundations of the earth, he has been devoted to his creation, assuring a way for us to be together forever. We are made in his image and becoming more and more like him as we follow Jesus. And for those reasons, the subject of devotion is important to us as disciples.
Here are some English words related to devotion: loyalty, faithful, wholehearted, singleness, simplicity, constant, adhesion.
These are words closely related to devotion in Hebrew and Greek: peace, perfect (holy), freedom, fruitfulness. For example, let’s break one of those down. The Hebrew word for “loyalty” is Shalem. It is closely related to Shalom, which means “peace”. So there is a connection between loyalty and peace. When I’m feeling unsettled, I’m learning to ask the Lord if I’m divided somewhere. He’s unmatched at knowing the depths of my heart, soul, and mind.
Devotion means “consecrated”, and it is a choice. We choose to stay loyal and faithful to the things we care about and love. There is no difference when it comes to our relationship with God. It’s not always easy. In this life we have many troubles, and the world’s solutions to these troubles are loud. Let’s be honest, and very convincing at times. But we have a promise from our faithful God. He has overcome the world, and we have access to everything he is.
Here are two keys to devotion and two things they unlock.
Key 1 — Wonder and Fascination with God
Keeping our eyes on God, being fascinated with who he is and how he is moving is a key to being devoted. How do we do stay in wonder with God? Stay in his word, take time to meditate on his names and attributes, talk to him, listen, community with the body, thankfulness.
We become what we behold.
And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree into the same of glory to another. 2 Corinthians 3:18
Fascination with God Unlocks God’s strength
2 Chronicles 16:9, The eyes of the Lord of the are moving back and forth over the earth to show himself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are wholehearted toward him2 Chronicles 20, “O God…we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We don know what to do, but our eyes are on you… You will not need to fight in the battle, stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the LORD on your behalf… and they sang praises before their enemy… and the LORD rerouted their enemies.
Other testimonies to stir your faith up — Abraham in Genesis 22, Shadrach Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel 3
Key 2 — Humility and Surrender
The choice to stay devoted is based on need; Our willingness (humility/surrender) to admit our need for God and his kingdom. Mary knew the one necessary thing was in the words Jesus was speaking, so she chose to stay at his feet…But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41-4
Humility says, “I need you, Jesus,” and it is a key to devotion. If we don’t realize our need for him, we won’t stick with him.
“Humility is the way into and the ability to stay in community.” Bill Thrall from Kingdom Life
Surrender Unlocks Fruitfulness
John 15:4-6, Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
Galatians 5:22-23, walk in the spirit… But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things, there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
There is a difference between striving and choosing. Striving is trying to keep up in our own strength. Choosing is a surrender to relationship with God. When we are abiding, we will bear fruit. The very things we need to follow Jesus wholeheartedly are products of the Holy Spirit. Our part is looking to and surrendering to God.
What are some ways you’d like to grow in devotion? Where would you like to bear more fruit?
There is so much more about Devotion in the Bible. I encourage you to dig a little deeper!
Brave Sparrow 