08 Sep A Perspective on Devotion
Believers are encouraged to be devoted to Christ, and in line with that to partake in daily devotions, a time of reading the scriptures and praying. But consider this scripture from Romans 12:10
‘Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.’ (NIV)
The Love that we have for the Lord isn’t to be limited to the Lord. We are all aware of that idea, but in practice, it also requires devotion to each other. Other Bible translations of the same verse highlight the thought in different ways.
‘Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor.’ (NASB)
Or.
‘Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another.’ (KJV)
In the varying translations we received the idea that there should be affection and love, and commitment, not just towards the Lord, but towards the others we share the faith with. This is made all the more powerful an idea when we consider who these others are. Naturally we think of those that we fellowship with each week, int he same congregation as ourselves.
Consider the Roman congregation to whom Paul was writing. It was made of both Jews and Gentiles. Paul was encouraging the Jews, who had a natural sense that God loved them, they were his chosen people… they, should love those Gentile outsiders, and even prefer them. That would not be natural, to prefer the other group above your own group. But there it is.
And the same went in reverse. The Gentile part of the congregation were free, they were not encumbered by Jewish culture and the Law and naturally felt that they had the better deal. They too were to honour and prefer the Jewish believers.
This was all part of their devotion.
Today we have differences in Church life too. Sometimes the differences are outside our church walls. Presbyterians should prefer the Catholics. Catholics should prefer the Seventh Day Adventists and so on it goes. This is what Christ has instructed us to do as believers, and to do it with genuine affection.
But How?
We start by praying for it. We move to getting to know other believers. We then pray with them. Once you see their heart for the Lord, it becomes an unstoppable process.
Photo by Soly Moses: https://www.pexels.com/photo/st-paul-basilica-at-sunset-in-harissa-lebanon-33699675/
No Comments