A Journey to Easter - Day 32
- Debbra Stephens
- 12 minutes ago
- 2 min read
It’s common to read about devotion to God in Christian literature. It’s a key element in our relationship with Him. But we might find ourselves asking, “What does devotion look like?” How is devotion evident in my life? How does it express itself?
The ancients believed devotion was in strictly keeping God’s law. While obedience is essential, it’s not the whole of devotion. I doubt obedience without heart is entirely pleasing to God.
The angel went to [Mary] and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with
you.”
Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.
(Luke 1:28-31; 38 NIV)
I find the best way to explain devotion is by way of example. The first occurrence that comes to mind is Mary’s “Yes!”
When the angel Gabriel went to young Mary with God’s assignment, she replied with a humble, “I am the Lord’s servant.” Mary was willing to do the will of God—whatever that required of her.
Devotion is seen in the women who rose early, in their enormous grief, to anoint the dead body of Jesus—when it would profit them nothing (Mark 16:1).
Devotion is like the poor widow (Mark 12:42) who gave sacrificially—though she had very little. Regardless of how little we may have, we can always give Jesus our devotion.
Devotion, like love, is a verb… an action. It’s not a feeling. It’s an expression. We best express our devotion when we do the will of the Father. When we give our allegiance to the King. When we keep in step with the Spirit. And when we joyfully serve the Body of Christ.
But it’s not just an action—because they can be done mindlessly. Or with improper motives. Acts of devotion are a form of righteousness performed with a pure heart. They’re not done out of obligation. They’re not done for applause or approval. They’re not done to earn favor. They are, like Mary, done because you already are favored.
As a stream naturally flows from its source, so too devotion flows from a heart full of love and gratitude stored up in the heart.
With the Cross and the Empty Tomb of our Lord in view, consider how you might give the Lord your devotion as you journey to Easter.
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