They
devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread
and the prayers.
"Devote" means to direct your whole attention toward someone
or something. Can any of us be truly "devoted?" Does your mind wander? Have you
ever planned the rest of your day during a church service? There are so many things that
divert our attention. How is it possible to direct our whole attention toward God?
Regular attendance at church and Sunday School help us to have glad and
generous hearts. Fellowship in other areas – such as weekly Bible study, LOGOS, and
church activities – adds further enrichment. It seems easier to focus our attention
on God when we are in fellowship with other Christians.
It is also easy to become overwhelmed with all the demands on our time.
We work, run errands, manage a household, take care of children, relatives, and pets with
little time left over for anyone outside our family. Our project lists tend to be very
long, and often place additional demands on us, leaving even less time for God’s
work.
How, then, do we make time to devote ourselves to God? How can we give
him our whole attention? It must be a matter of priority and a remembrance of what is
important in God’s kingdom.
We remember Christ when we study God’s word. We gather together in
fellowship, in receiving the Eucharist, in celebrating Christ’s life and sacrifice
for us. We remember that it is God’s plan for us to live and worship together in
community, serving God by serving each other. Remembering Christ is what encourages us to
devote ourselves to God.
Dear Heavenly Father, open our hearts and minds so that we may
willingly receive your holy word. Help us to begin each day with a renewed sense of
purpose, so that we may devote ourselves to you and live according to your plan. We praise
you for your constant love and grace, ever present even in times of darkness. Thank you
for sending your Son, Jesus Christ, to take away the sins of the world. We pray in
Jesus’ name.
Nancy Day
