Day 20: Formed Through Devotion

Opening Scripture

Acts 2:42–43 42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. (NIV)

Devotional Reflection

The early Christians devoted themselves completely to the Lord, but their devotion was more than rhetoric. In their desire to follow Christ fully, they chose a lifestyle that intentionally formed them in devotion.

What we do, how we mentally frame our circumstances, and who we surround ourselves with all shape who we become. We must choose a way of life that forms us in the best possible direction. In our country, Christianity is in decline. This is not because God has somehow become less than He once was. He has lost none of His power. His wisdom remains supreme. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Christianity is in decline because, within the church, many believers did not maintain a lifestyle that formed them in devotion. It is not even that they chose a lifestyle of overt sin. For the most part, believers held to a lifestyle of morality. At times, they even clung too tightly to morality and became judgmental. The issue was not a choice to sin, but a choice to neglect the practices that would have formed them in deeper devotion to Christ.

They did not cultivate habits that continually turned their eyes toward Him. They did not commit to spiritual practices that kept God’s truth and the hope of His promises before their minds, helping them interpret life through His truth. Gradually, devotion was replaced with morality. Morality keeps our focus on behavior, but not necessarily on Christ, His love, or His promises.

When we read that the early Christians devoted themselves to the breaking of bread, it meant far more than sharing a meal. In biblical times, common meals were not separated from sacred meals. When they broke bread together, they intentionally remembered Christ in a way that continues today through the Lord’s Supper.

This practice was a spiritual discipline—something done regularly with thoughtful remembrance of Christ and all that He is, shaping their hearts and lives toward Him. To be devoted to Christ, we too must commit ourselves to spiritual practices that continually form us in His likeness.

The Examen

Which spiritual practices currently shape my devotion to Christ?

Where might morality be replacing devotion in my walk with God?

Lectio Divina Scripture

Isaiah 26:3 3 You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. (NIV)

Read the passage slowly, out loud, several times. With each reading, emphasize a different word or phrase. Notice what stands out and why.

Prayer Prompt

Lord, remind me how easy it is for my mind to drift away from You, and how those whose minds are fixed on You experience perfect peace. Amen.