Simplicity of Devotion
Simplicity of Devotion

But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness,
Your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ.
2 Corinthians 11:3 (NASB)

My mind is abuzz this morning. As a result, I’m having trouble concentrating on the scriptures. You know my heart, Lord. Lead me through these thoughts.
I finished reading 2 Corinthians 11:3. Those words, “the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ,” captured my mind. What does a life of simplicity and devotion to Christ look like? What can I do to make my busy, sometimes distracted, devotional time more effective? What should I eliminate? What should I change? Show me, Lord. Then help me be brave enough and ambitious enough to follow through.
Simplicity – ridding myself of much.
Ridding Myself of …
Much clutter; Much stuff; Much human nostalgia
The lure of more “stuff”
Boxes, boxes, boxes
Keepsakes that haven’t seen the light of day in years
Projects meant to be finished and given as gifts – years ago
Now, token symbols of good intentions; of failure; of unfinished goals
Disappointing reminders of incomplete gestures
Endeavors that were never completed nor given to an unsuspecting recipient
Ridding Myself of…
The obsessive lure to check the phone, always in my pocket
The demanding to-do list I’m forever putting together
The “shoulda, coulda, woulda” phrases flitting in my mind
Purity of Devotion—
Add on…
All diligence in faith
Moral excellence, knowledge, and self-control
Perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness
Christian love
Love— A life of simplicity and pure devotion to God looks like a life where I focus on “adding on” more of Christ in my life. The cluttering thoughts and lures of this life dissipate slowly when I choose time with my God. Indeed, human emotions and my mind weave such tangled webs. The enemy goads me with tears and remembrances of past failures. I still prepare meals and make appointments. Busyness rarely ends. Yet, my God is more than a conqueror! He wants to help me. He wants me to ask. James 4:8 says, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” That assurance is the comfort I need when “my” to-do list seems impossible or when I feel lacking.
Today, I chose to live a life of simplicity. A life of pure devotion to God. A life of faith. A life starting and ending my day with focused attention on God’s movement in life.
As His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue,
By which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
2 Peter 1:3-4 (NKJV)
Don’t beat yourself up. God knows your heart and mind better than you know yourself. Allow Him to show His divine power in your life. Ask God to reveal to you what you need to release and what you need to add to your life. Jot those thoughts in your prayer journal.
Delve Deeper: Read this verse from Matthew 6:33 (NKJV): “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Write it on a notecard. Read it regularly throughout the day. When you turn out the lights tonight, reflect on how God revealed this truth in your life today.