Devotion
Malcolm Gladwell once theorized the popular notion that it takes 10,000 hours to master a skill. Is this absolutely true? Probably not. However, it does bring to light a very important concept which also happens to be taught by our Lord and Savior, Jesus. He taught, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6.21).
Today’s message is a reminder of the importance of devotion. Individual Christians continually choose where to focus their devotion. The same can be said for family units. I will use golf for an example since everyone who knows me also knows that I really enjoy the game and seek opportunities to play a round. It takes a tremendous amount of time to learn how to play golf really well. One would have to dedicate time to learning, practicing, and actually playing in order to become the best version of him/herself. In other words, I would need to be devoted to the game of golf.
What does this have to do with Christianity? Well, what are you truly devoted to in your life? With the responsibilities inherent in life, there are simply not enough hours in a day to become the best version of yourself in multiple areas. The amount of time it would require me to become the best golfer possible for myself would automatically eliminate the possibility to become the best tennis player that I could become as well. Learning is the same. In the past I found myself trying to learn so many different things that I was not able to put enough time into any specific subject to truly learn it well.
Are you truly devoted to God? If so, then you have an opportunity to become the best “Christlike” version of yourself. What about your family? Is it your desire to devote yourselves to Jesus? In relation to the principle, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also,” Jesus later added an admonition to seek first the kingdom of God (Matthew 6.33). So, in a sermon about what it really means to be a disciple of Jesus (Matthew 5-7), Jesus clearly understands the principle of devotion. Following Jesus necessarily involves devoting yourself to His kingdom – or His priorities for this world. Devotion to His kingdom will create the following desires in a person.
- A desire to grow in knowledge and faith towards God
- A desire to worship our Father collectively every Sunday
- A desire to serve and encourage other members of our church family
- A desire to reach beyond the borders of our church family and into the community for opportunities to serve and love our neighbors
- A desire to spread the gospel to those around us
I could list many more desires, but hopefully you are already seeing where a devotion to God can lead. However, we must briefly consider the other side of the coin as well. While being devoted to God will begin to create the best Christian version of yourself, a devotion to something else will forever limit your ability to grow into what God desires. There is simply not enough time to devote yourself fully to multiple tasks. This is why Jesus is so direct about the relationship of one’s heart, or devotion, and one’s treasure. Will 10,000 hours of practice as a Christian make you a master Christian? Not exactly. You will never be perfect. However, 10,000 hours devoted to something else in order to master it is a powerful commentary on the true state of one’s heart.
Thankfully, we have an opportunity every day to change our devotion – if needed. This DOESN’T mean to find more time to add a little more Christianity to your life. No, Jesus teaches total commitment for those who truly want to follow Him. Are you devoted to Him?