Day 30: The Fruit of Devotion

Opening Scripture

Acts 2:42–47

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. ⁴⁴ All the believers were together and had everything in common. ⁴⁵ They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. ⁴⁶ 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, ⁴⁷ praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. (NIV)

Devotional Reflection

As we continue our journey toward greater devotion to the Lord, it is helpful to return to our foundational passage. Here we see how the early church devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer. We must also pay close attention to the results of this devoted way of life.

The early church witnessed many wonders and signs. It was a church marked by God’s power. There was unity among the believers—no jealousy, no competition, no division. They cared for one another deeply. Generosity shaped their community. They were glad, experiencing an inner joy even as persecution began to rise. They were sincere—no one was merely going through the motions. They praised God openly, and they enjoyed the favor of the people around them.

This all took place in Roman-ruled Jerusalem. Rome governed by taxation and force, allowing local customs to continue only as long as peace was maintained. Jewish religious leaders remained vigilant, often accusing others of improper worship. To worship Jesus—whom they did not believe to be God—was seen as blasphemy, a crime punishable by death. This was the same charge brought against Jesus Himself.

The Roman authorities were not sympathetic either. Rome valued order above all else. Christians proclaimed allegiance to a King other than Caesar, preached a moral vision Rome did not share, and created tension within Jewish communities. From the perspective of Roman leadership, the church was a problem.

Yet despite opposition from religious and political elites, the early Christians found favor with everyday people. Ordinary Jews and Romans saw something compelling in their way of life.

When we look at the church today, we have the same God, the same gospel, and the same mission. Yet in American culture, the church is often viewed negatively—not only by elites, but by the average citizen. This raises an important question: What changed?

The difference is devotion.

The modern church is often more devoted to work, pleasure, politics, or personal agendas than to the ways of Christ. We must ask ourselves honestly whether we want to reflect the culture around us, or whether we desire to return to the kind of devotion that marked the early church.

The Examen

1. What fruit is being produced by the things I am most devoted to in this season of my life?

2. Where might God be inviting me to reorder my devotion so that my life reflects Christ more clearly?

Lectio Divina Scripture

Matthew 6:33

³³ But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (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, examine my heart and reorder my devotion. Help me devote myself fully to Your ways, so that my life bears fruit that reflects Your love, power, and truth. Amen.