Devotion

de·vo·tion

   [dih-voh-shuhn]

noun

1.

profound dedication; consecration.

2.

earnest attachment to a cause, person, etc.

I had an incredible drive to work this morning as I thought about devotion, and what it means. Devotion looks different all over the world, and throughout history. I have just begun Beth Moore’s study on Paul. I absolutely love it already. If you are searching for a weekday study, this might be a great one for you to consider.

 In Paul’s early life he likely had a very strict “devotion” to the law and the code of the Jewish people. This devotion really spoke to me as I considered my own. Orthodox Jewish men would, by the age of 13, already have many scriptures memorized. They would wake up in the morning and recite prayers, Proverbs, and Psalms before they even began their day. The law said these things must be done when there is “enough sunlight to recognize a casual acquaintance from a distance of four cubits”. Amazing.

A lot of Christians today might wake up in the morning and read through a “devotion”al – but how devoted are we really?

I have had a few incredible opportunities to travel to different countries and get a glimpse of other cultures. One thing always stands out to me in almost every place that I have been. People are devoted. In Thailand the people are devoted to their king, and to Buddhism. The country is filled with temples and statues. The people pause from shopping to take off their shoes and worship in a temple in the marketplace. Every car has a statue of Buddha. Devotion.

In Dubai the people are devoted to Islam. Several businesses are not open during Ramadan, and the people pray at the call to prayer throughout the day. They follow strict rules of dress and public activities in order to honor what they believe in. Devotion.

You can argue with me about this devotion. But it is a display of the definition of the word, and it stirs my heart to ask about my level of devotion. I do feel an “earnest attachment” to Jesus, His Word, and His love. I would sincerely like for my life to be “profoundly dedicated” and “consecrated” to this Truth. I am not saying that unless we all stop to pray at certain times of day, and keep statues in our car we are not devoted. What I am saying is, the devotion God is worthy of, is not always what I have given Him. I write this in case anyone else is on the same page and might need a little encouragement.

A favorite song of mine is Kristene Mueller’s, “All My Devotion”. A few lyrics that might inspire:

"Beautiful God
You're more than worth my time
You're more than worth these longings of my heart
Left unfulfilled
Just for a time …
Take it all
Take it all
Just give me Jesus
Just give me Jesus
I don't want any other Lover …"

He is more than worth, not just the longings of my heart, but my entire heart, my entire life, my entire being. There is no LIFE apart from Him.

The words that likely inspired Paul as a young person inspire me today, Deuteronomy 4:7 “What other nation is so great as to have their gods near them the way the Lord our God is near us whenever we pray to Him?” What a blessing He is.

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts.” Deut 6:5-6

With ALL my heart, with ALL my soul, and with ALL my strength – devotion, to the One true God, King of kings, Lord of lords, Almighty God of Love.