Meditations

Devotion to God, Number 1. If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this man's religion is vain. James 1.26. There are so many abuses that go under the name of religious piety. Some people's piety consists only in their many prayers. For others, piety consists in a great number of outward works done for the glory of God and the relief of their neighbors. Some consider piety to be a continual desire to gain their own salvation. Others think it consists in practicing great austerity. All of these things might be considered good, they are even necessary to a degree. But we would be wrong to think that true devotion to God consists merely in devout practices. The devotion that makes us holy and devotes us entirely to God consists in doing all that God wants and in accomplishing everything He desires from us, in every place and in every circumstance He places us. Do as many kind gestures as you wish, do as many dazzling works as you please, but you will only be rewarded for doing the will of the Sovereign Master. If the domestic who serves you did marvelous things in your home, but did not do the things you have asked him to do, you would not congratulate him for all those marvelous things he has done. You would be justified in complaining that he was serving you badly. Perfect devotion requires us not only to do the will of God, but to do it with love. God loves for us to give to Him joyfully. In everything He tells us to do, He always asks for our heart. Such a Master is worthy of our joyful service.