Devote yourselves to God’s work. Do not be devoted to anything that keeps you from what is most important. Read 1 Timothy 1:3-11. To devote yourself to something means giving your time, energy, and resources to something. If you are devoted to your spouse, you are committing your time, energy, and resources to making that relationship a success. If you are devoted to your family, your family is a priority in spending your time, energy, and resources. The Apostle Paul warns Timothy not to be devoted to murder, adultery, lying, and several other vices. When we are devoted to adultery, we are not being devoted to our spouse. When we are devoted to myths, we are not devoted to God’s truth. When we are devoted to the unholy, we are not devoted to what is holy. Instead, we are to be devoted to God’s work. We are to love one another as Jesus loves us. We are to live according to God’s grace and truth so that our hearts are free from temptation. Our words and actions are to be aligned with God’s will so we might have a clear conscience. We are to be devoted to growing in our faith so we can stand firm when difficulty comes our way. Paul went on to describe how he was a persecutor of Christians, a violent man, and the worst of sinners. Then God showed him mercy and poured out grace abundantly. When Jesus revealed himself to Paul, Paul responded by devoting himself fully to God’s work. What is the work God has called you to do today?

Lord Jesus, we devote ourselves to you and to your work. Show me the way. Reveal to me how I can make the best use of this day for your glory. Amen.