Devotion

Devotion. A term that once denoted profound dedication, in particular to a cause or person. Devotion derives its oldest definition from the Ecclesia or Ecclesiastical devotions of worship and prayer. Today, devotion is seen through the sacred act of matrimony and in may I say media related things. Fandom has become synonymous with devotion. There are sports fans, who champion their favorite teams and devote time to watching their games debating who is the greatest player, and so forth. There are fantasy world devotees like the Ringers (Lord of the Rings) and Trekkies (Star Trek). Today, devotion tends to be to fictional worlds and family. However, devotion also comes in the form of friends and political causes.

How far the concept of devotion has evolved. How far it has descended from its original purpose. Every person devotes time to things, for some it is art, others writing, reading, watching TV, binge watching Netflix, and so forth. But what about devotion to Jesus? Well certainly there are devout followers of Jesus, the Monks and Nuns of the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches and the Missionaries of the Pentecostal and Evangelical Churches being prime examples. But is it only a saintly few who are called to make Christ their center focus and object of devotion? The answer is no. Jesus said, "If anyone wants to be my disciple, first they must deny themselves, pick up their cross and follow me." (Matthew 16:24). To be disciple requires devotion, devotion at a level that means death. The concept of the cross is suppose to be symbolic; "Our cross to bear" is colloquialism for the burden or difficulty in our life. This could be person, a problem, like an addiction, or an infirmity. However, that cross is also literal as well. To be Jesus Followers means to suffer. Persecution is going to be our portion. For the Lord said, "Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of Me." (Matthew 24:9, cross refer. Matthew 10:22, John 15:19).

Jesus Christ should us the greatest devotion. God came in the flesh, limited Himself to come heal man of more than a physical condition. The healing from the sickness of sin being complete by His death on the cross. Jesus' devotion to us, went as far as great torture, excruciating pain, and death. He was devoted to us unto death. The problem comes when Christian brothers and sisters are asked to be as devoted back. The idea and concept of giving ones life; dedicating and devoting your time to the Lord is painted in some circles as unnecessary. Jesus is devoted to us, and he "paid it all," so I do not need to do anything. Well it is true you cannot save yourself through devotion to Jesus, you can draw closer to Christ and come to the fullness of what He intended for your life. Sometimes it is as if the Savior gets a raw deal. Not that all believers are this way, but there substantial demographic that returns Jesus' devotion with a deep pang. These people feel burdened to seek their God after all He did on their behalf. This is not about a guilty trip, God doesn't want us to operate out of "Oh well, I have to," or "I better pay my respects." No, the question we should be asking if we are not wanting to be devoted to Jesus should be why? What is wrong in the heart of a man or woman who would not want to be dedicated to God who died for them?

Again, it is not about feeling guilty. It is about taking for granted His love. There should be pang inside all Christians who do not crave to be with Christ. It is a heart issue, not a lack of hard work. Sometimes people try to solve this with religion and ritual, which are like roll aids for real sickness that needs surgery like heart disease. Devotion is not suppose to be some display to tell everyone around you that you are Disciple, it is suppose to be disposition in the heart; a deep desire to be dedicated to Jesus out of love for Him. If this devotional desire is not forthcoming, it maybe time to get quiet with the Lord and talk about it.

We are devoted to so many things. To our families, friends, favorite TV programs, and fantasies (escapisms ranging from sports to other hobbies). These are good things to be dedicated. But they should be in proportion to our relationship with Jesus Christ! Jesus should be first devotion and everything follow in steady chain or links from family down to favorite TV program. Let us become devoted to Jesus and each other, for Jesus said, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself." (Luke 10;27). Jesus must come first, and all other devotions short of him should be second. Its time to rediscover and rekindle the candle of devotion for the Lord. Many newly saved Christians have bonfire of devotion to Christ because of the great wonder and euphoria in their lives upon conversion. But we as believers must keep the candle of devotion lit beyond initial euphoria and joyful feelings. Stat devout and never doubt that Jesus Christ is worth it all. For He was first dedicated to you and loved you. (1 John 4:19).