An ABC of Faith

Devotion

The word devotion conjures up many a picture of human interaction. Devotion is defined as loyalty, love or practicing and believing in a specific religion. An example of devotion is what a dog feels for his kind master. Another is an  example of devotion is belief in the faith and living as a practicing Christian. The fact, quality, or state of being devoted.

Nothing that is valuable is achieved without effort. Fritz Kreisler, the famous violinist, testified to this point when he said, "Narrow is the road that leads to the life of a violinist. Hour after hour, day after day and week after week, for years, I lived with my violin. There were so many things that I wanted to do that I had to leave undone; there were so many places I wanted to go that I had to miss if I was to master the violin. The road that I traveled was a narrow road and the way was hard."

Matthew 6:24 speaks of devotion in these terms, “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.

These words seems easy for Jesus to say! But the nature of true devotion is for us to think of how we might receive this insight in trust, believing that Jesus seeks only my good. There are so many messages all around me telling me about what I should wear, what I should eat. Jesus reminds me that I am more than a consumer. My identity lies in my relationship with God who loves me and caused me to trust.

God trusts us, having given us life and called us into relationship. Knowing that God loves and trusts us by giving us the freedom to make choices, is important. After all, it is natural to grow in trust of someone who trusts us. We do need food and clothing, but excessive worry about such things makes them ends, rather than means to an end.

The core of Jesus’ message is the Kingdom, but not a kingdom of power and control. It was one of love and justice that are to colour all relationships. When we look back at life, we see that God has provided and guided us through challenging times. Most of what we worried about never happened. Where am I being called to trust more now? Where does my devotion lie?

A Prayer

Able God, please give me the grace to serve you with fear and humility. Help me to follow your instructions and yield to your corrections. Guide me through your Holy Spirit so that my decisions can satisfy you always. Let me remain qualify for your blessing. For in the name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.