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Devotedness
“And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord” (2 Corinthians 8:5).
Devotedness is a much deeper and, at the same time, a much simpler thing than many suppose. Most think that if they are earnestly engaged in the Lord’s work, and looking for His guidance and blessing that they are being devoted.
However, devotedness is much more than this. It is having Christ Himself as the delight and resource of my heart, with my mind set towards Him. The highest service we can render the Lord is to delight His heart and to be a comfort and a joy to Him. The truth is, this is a service to which few devote themselves. Occupation with Christ, with a view to becoming more intimately acquainted with His character; studying Him, that we may learn what pleases Him, is very rare indeed. Many can be found who are occupied for Christ, like Martha; few who are occupied with Him, like her sister Mary, to learn what is in His heart.
Is your first thought in every circumstance that comes up, Lord, I would like to be a joy to Thee in this very circumstance Thou hast allowed? If it is, this is true devotedness!
(Adapted from Things New And Old.)
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