In a world filled with distractions and competing priorities, what does it truly mean to be devoted? This question lies at the heart of our spiritual journey as we seek to grow in our faith and deepen our relationship with God.

The early Christian church provides a powerful model of devotion that we can learn from today. In the book of Acts, we find a description of the first believers that paints a vivid picture of their commitment:

“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:42-47)

The word “devoted” here carries significant weight. In the original Greek, it conveys a sense of steadfast attention, unremitting care, perseverance, and constant readiness. These early Christians weren’t merely casual in their approach to faith – they were all in, fully committed to growing in their understanding and practice of following Jesus.

As we reflect on our own spiritual lives, we might ask ourselves: What are we truly devoted to? Is our faith a central priority, or has it taken a backseat to other pursuits? While we may have various commitments in life – to family, career, or hobbies – our devotion to God should be the foundation that shapes everything else.

The first area of devotion mentioned for the early church is “the apostles’ teaching.” For us today, this translates to a commitment to studying and applying Scripture. The Bible isn’t just an ancient text; it’s described as “God-breathed” in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, useful for “teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

When we approach the Bible with this understanding, it becomes a transformative force in our lives. It’s not about simply accumulating knowledge, but allowing God’s Word to shape our hearts, minds, and actions. Here are some ways the Bible works in us:

  1. Teaching: Scripture provides wisdom and guidance for every aspect of life. When we face challenges or decisions, we can turn to God’s Word for direction.
  2. Rebuking: The Bible challenges us when our attitudes or actions don’t align with God’s will. It calls us to a higher standard of living.
  3. Correcting: When we make mistakes or lose our way, Scripture gently guides us back to the right path.
  4. Training in righteousness: The Bible shows us how to grow in Christlikeness, becoming more and more the people God created us to be.

Devotion to Scripture isn’t about legalism or checking off a religious duty. It’s about developing a hunger for God’s Word, finding joy and life in its pages. One believer shared how they get excited to study the Bible after work, finding it a source of refreshment and encouragement. When we’re having a difficult day, immersing ourselves in Scripture can lift our spirits and give us a new perspective.

The ultimate goal of our devotion to God’s Word is transformation. As we internalize Scripture and allow it to shape us, we become more like Jesus. Imagine a world where everyone embraced Christ’s teachings – there would be no poverty, no war, no injustice. While we can’t change the entire world overnight, we can allow God’s Word to transform us, and in turn, impact those around us.

So how can we practically grow in our devotion to Scripture? Here are a few suggestions:

  1. Establish a daily Bible reading habit: Set aside time each day to read and reflect on God’s Word. Even a few verses can make a significant impact.
  2. Use a Bible app: Many apps offer reading plans and devotionals to help you engage with Scripture regularly.
  3. Join a Bible study group: Studying with others can provide accountability and fresh insights.
  4. Journal: Write down your thoughts, questions, and applications as you read the Bible. This can help you process and remember what you’re learning.
  5. Memorize Scripture: Choose key verses to commit to memory, allowing God’s Word to shape your thinking throughout the day.
  6. Apply what you read: Look for ways to put God’s Word into practice in your daily life.

Remember, knowing Scripture isn’t just about memorizing words – it’s about embracing the living Word that transforms our hearts and guides our lives. As we grow in our devotion to God’s Word, we’ll find ourselves becoming more like Jesus, better equipped to navigate life’s challenges, and more effective in sharing God’s love with others.

The early church’s devotion to the apostles’ teaching led to a vibrant community life, powerful ministry, and consistent growth. As we follow their example and prioritize our devotion to Scripture, we can expect to see similar fruit in our own lives and communities.

Let’s challenge ourselves to take a step towards greater devotion this week. Whether it’s committing to a daily reading plan, joining a Bible study group, or simply setting aside more intentional time with God’s Word, every small step can lead to significant growth. As we do, we’ll discover the transformative power of being truly devoted to God and His Word.