Devoted
Acts 2:42 “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”
I heard the incredible story this week of Robert McQuilken. Robert was the president of Columbia International University and under his leadership the school doubled its enrollment. While he was beginning to enjoy the fruits of his success, tragically his wife was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. As it progressed, she was terrified to be without Robert. Some of his friends advised him to put her into an institution. But he chose instead to resign from Columbia eight years short of retirement in order to care for her.
He said, “When the time came, the decision…was a matter of integrity. Had I not promised, 42 years before, "in sickness and in health . . . till death do us part"?
When people were amazed, he said, “This was no grim duty… It was only fair. She had…cared for me for almost four decades with marvelous devotion; now it was my turn. And such a partner she was! If I took care of her for 40 years, I would never be out of her debt.” That is a picture of devotion to your spouse.
In Acts chapter 2 we see a group of people who are devoted to God and His purposes. Because of this they saw God work powerfully in and through them. Their devotion gave them the power and energy to impact the world around them. One of their key devotions was to the apostles’ teachings or for us today, the Bible. In order for one to be devoted to the Bible they need to: take it in, act on it, and apply it to our lives.
What are you devoted to today? When was the last time you made some time to take in scripture and apply it to your life? Is there an area of your life today that Scripture could speak into? Take a few moments to read and reflect on Acts 2. In what way can you express your devotion to God today?
God Bless,
Mike