One of the things that is very obvious in our area – people are devoted fans of the KC Chiefs! It is exciting days as we approach the Super Bowl this coming Sunday. Something tells me that many of your folks will being wearing a lot of red as they come to worship. I’m not afraid to admit that I am a devoted Chiefs fan, but in terms of my supreme devotion I am upmost a committed and passionate follower of Christ. As such I make it my aim to exceed in my enthusiasm for Jesus more than a football team, and encourage others to do the same.
This past week my thoughts were focused on the early church as Luke describes them in Acts 2:41-47. He helps us see what is important for us to focus on and be devoted to. “They devoted themselves to the apostle’s teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer” (v.42). When we think about focusing our passion and guarding our heart, this example of the early believers is a good reminder of how to do just that. Giving our full attention to the teaching of Scripture, making every effort to fulfill the “one another’s” in fellowship with other believers, joyfully spending time to share meals and participate in the Lord’s Supper together, and directing our time and reliance on God through prayer is a recipe for being a devoted disciple and winning church.
So then, what are you devoted to?
-Dr. Gary Mathes