The following is an excerpt from our daily devotional series “Back to the Basics,” written by IFA contributing writer Gloria Robles.
All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer (Acts 2:42 NLT).
This verse in particular gives us a look into the birth of the Church. The apostles are picking right up where Jesus left off. They studied the word, enjoyed fellowship, took Communion, and prayed together.
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One word in this passage is significant: the word devoted, meaning loyal to, faithful, and committed. So, the verse could be read: … the believers were committed to and faithful to teaching, fellowship, communion, and prayer.
The disciples were not Wednesday/Sunday Christians. They weren’t only passionate; they were completely devoted to Jesus and to the fulfillment of His commission.
Virtually everyone has something they pursue passionately, or someone to whom they are very committed. Take your favorite sports teams, for example: No matter how many times they may win or lose, you give them your unwavering support. You love them whether they’re up or down. That’s devotion.
Or consider your job. Even on those less-than-perfect days, you stick it out and work toward the greater good. We understand that even when times are tough, we must honor our commitments. This is devotion, and it is a good thing. But whatever else may hold a high priority in our lives, we must first and foremost be committed to Christ.
The disciples lived by this principle, knowing that it was costly. They were fully committed to living and dying for Christ, because they knew that He was their Messiah and king. They were sold-out, unashamed, all-or-nothing believers in Him. I don’t know about you, but that really makes me check my heart and my relationship with the Lord.
Just like our favorite team, we’re going to face some losses in our Christian walk. We are going to make a mess of things at times, but we serve a great God. Sometimes He is going to have to bench us. We may by our own will leave the game, but He’ll never kick us off the team. We must stay devoted to Him who is faithful to keep us.
Just like with that job that can drive you crazy from time to time, you are still willing to stick things out. It’s no different for us in the kingdom of Christ. Being a Christian is hard, but there are eternal rewards and consequences at stake. The greatest good in our lives is the kingdom of God. People need Jesus. They are hurting. They are broken. They are in darkness and bondage. If you are ever tempted to give up, just remember that God saved you because He has a purpose for you. This was no accident. You were divinely chosen.
We must stop making excuses. Have you ever noticed that we’ve got excuses for why we can’t pray, study Scripture, make it to fellowship, or do various kingdom things? But when it comes to our own priorities — going to work, attending that event, watching that game, or doing anything else we want to do — well, all those same excuses seem to disappear.
The Fruit of Wholehearted Devotion
And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved (Acts 2:43–47).
The fruit of devotion to Jesus is simply that the disciples did everything Jesus did, and so can you and I. Jesus performed many signs, wonders, and miracles; so did the disciples. Jesus saw miraculous provision; so did the disciples. When people heard that Jesus was coming, they thronged to hear Him and to see Him minister. People did the same with the apostles. This is what Christianity looked like back then. And this is what it should look like now. If you want to live like this, it’s not difficult. It requires your devotion. Put the Lord first, and you can do what He did, because He said you can.
Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father (John 14:12).
Reflection:
Prayerfully sit and talk with the Lord. Ask Holy Spirit to reveal if there is anything that has a greater priority in your life than Christ Himself. If so, repent of it as the Spirit leads you. If you have found your spiritual fires going out, recommit your heart to the Lord, and return to your first love. Call upon the name of the Lord. Go after Him and hold nothing back. This is your personal time. This is your relationship with Jesus — make it count.
Prayer:
Lord, my heart has drifted from where it once was. Take me back to my first love. I’m hungry. I’m thirsty. I’m desperate for more of You. I can’t make it without You, Lord. Forgive me when I put other things before You. I want to seek You first, above all else. All my devotion belongs to You. Here I am, Lord; You can have all of me. Amen.
Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act (Ps. 37:5).
Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established (Prov. 16:3).
Jesus replied, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind” (Matt. 22:37 NLT).
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IFA contributing writer Gloria Robles is a passionate intercessor with a prophetic voice for today. For more from Gloria, go to Spotify or Anchor and listen to her podcast, Something To Share. Photo Credit: Canva.