What are you most devoted to?
That’s the question Pastor Andy Coats posed on Sunday during his message at Trinity Baptist Church.
Figuring out where your devotion lies is fairly easy. Look at your schedule and see where the majority of your time is spent. Your idols will quickly become apparent.
As I look at my schedule for this week, work once again trumps everything else in my life. Family isn’t even a close second. According to my screen time notifications, scrolling social media in my downtime (of which there is little this week) is a huge time waster.
But what about my Bible study time this week? It’s non-existent. I haven’t touched my prayer journal. The sermon notes from Sunday’s message at church I’m finally reviewing at 4 a.m. on Wednesday morning (out of guilt, not obedience). My daily women’s Bible study book for class tonight hasn’t even been opened yet, but that’s okay because I won’t even make class tonight. I have a work dinner in a different town. In fact, when I leave for work this morning, it will be the start of nearly 48 hours away from my family and church life. God will understand, right? So will my family … right?
What are you most devoted to?
Who knew the self-reflection on that question would be so revealing about the still misaligned priorities of my life. I wish I could say my answer was: God, Family, Everything else. It’s completely backwards.
The things you become devoted to become second nature to you. Your level of comfort around the things you do is directly related to the quality and quantity of time you dedicate to doing them.
Ouch!
So what does it take to be a fully devoted follower of God?
First, it takes recognizing that God has to be first in your life. There may have been a period in your past where God was first, but God didn’t call you to live in the past. He called you to be present and to live in Christ every single day.
**** Luke 12:48 ****
But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.
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The amount of time God has given to us on earth is short. All of our days are numbered, so the time we have to fulfill our calling is limited. Your decision to be fully devoted to God and teach others about Him during that time isn’t just about you. It’s also about future generations who are depending on your fellowship, your Christian leadership, and your willingness to serve so that they may follow in your footsteps … instead of in the footsteps our culture is quickly leading them to follow.
In his sermon, Pastor Andy shared…
“3 Ways to Recognize Your Passion and Commitment to Christ”
1. Remember Your Calling
You didn’t get where you are today by mistake, and you didn’t do it alone. You have had people praying for you, even in the moments when you weren’t praying for yourself and for others.
**** 2 Timothy 1:3-7 ****
I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.
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But you cannot depend on the solid faith of others to carry you to Christ. You cannot depend on the faith of others to draw those in your circle to Christ. You have to be willing to share your faith as a Christian with others.
2. Reflect on Your Commission
Apart from Jesus, we all deserve death. We are all sinners who have fallen short of God’s glory. We are all saved by Christ through grace and faith. Our messy story allows us to show the power of God’s grace and bring hope to others.
**** 2 Timothy 1:8-11 ****
So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher.
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Don’t be afraid to share your testimony. Don’t be afraid that others will judge you for the sins of your past. Let go of your shame and be proud of the redemptive work God has been able to do in your life. Be willing to share your testimony with others as a way to help them experience and see how the grace and love of God can also help them.
If you’re worried about what others will think of you if you share your messy past with them, you’re worried about the wrong people. If people aren’t telling you, “Praise the Lord for your obedience”, their opinion doesn’t matter. But sharing your story may plant the seed needed for those judging you to find their own way (back) to obeying Christ.
3. Renew Your Commitment
Focus your attention on Christ.
**** 2 Timothy 1:12-14 ****
That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day. What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.
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God’s word will always be counterculture to the world. Don’t be afraid to live His word. Don’t be tempted to walk in sin simply because the world says it is okay.
As a Christian, you’ve been called to advance the kingdom of God. You’ve been called to walk with Christ and to become like Him. You cannot do those things when you are not fully devoted to Christ.
So take a moment and reflect on your schedule. Is it God, Family, and Everything Else? Or, like me, do you need to reprioritize a few things?