Wholehearted Devotion

Theme:  Wholehearted devotion

 

Scripture:  “… live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord.”  I Corinthians 7:35b

 

This came from our daily reading in Joshua 14:6-15 and 1 Corinthians 7

 

Observation / Application:  I think both Paul and Joshua in these passages are basically talking about the same thing – being wholeheartedly devoted to the Lord in whatever state you are in.  Paul is discussing this in the context of marriage and stating that if we are committed to other relationships (like marriage) it could distract us or divide our attention from the Lord, but in no means is Paul advocating divorce or celibacy.  He is simply saying if you can live the unmarried life go for it, but certainly as I was discussing with a coworker marriage and children have a way of purifying us and teaching us so much about self-sacrifice and unconditional love (in my own experience).  I think Paul’s admonition is this: whatever we do and whatever state we are in we must devote ourselves wholeheartedly to the Lord. 

 

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, help us today (and always) to give ourselves to You wholeheartedly and to put aside distractions that might keep us from focusing on and serving You fully.  As Paul stated this world is passing away and sometimes I know I get too focused on the here and now and forget that.  Please help us to keep our eyes on the eternal and on Your will.  Through Christ I pray, Amen & Amen.