Devotion
The message from Luke 16:13, which states that no servant can serve two masters, emphasizes the importance of choosing whom we live our lives for—God or worldly pursuits. It challenges us to reflect on our devotion and how serious we are about serving God. The speaker begins by highlighting the impossibility of serving both God and Mammon (worldly wealth) and points out the futility of trying to balance conflicting loyalties.
The sermon draws a parallel to parenting, where consistent guidance from both parents is crucial for a child’s development. Similarly, in our spiritual lives, we cannot waver between serving God and pursuing other interests. This indecision leads to confusion and a lack of fulfillment. The speaker shares a personal anecdote about a coworker who struggled to please everyone and ended up failing to satisfy anyone. This illustrates the danger of trying to juggle multiple priorities without a clear focus.
The speaker stresses the necessity of prioritizing God above all else. Citing Matthew 6:30-33, which instructs us to seek first the kingdom of God, the message underscores that God will take care of our needs if we put Him first. Proverbs 3:5-6 further reinforces this by advising us to trust in the Lord and not rely on our own understanding. When we try to manage our lives independently, we often end up making them more difficult. Instead, we should let God guide us, acknowledging Him in all our ways.
A significant part of the message focuses on practical steps to maintain devotion to God. The speaker advocates for setting a specific time and place for daily devotions, drawing from Matthew 6:6, which encourages private prayer. This dedicated time should include prayer, Bible reading, memorization of Scripture, and thankfulness. These practices help cultivate a closer relationship with God and keep our focus on Him throughout the day.
The importance of prayer is highlighted, with references to Philippians 4:6 and 1 Thessalonians 5:17, which encourage constant communication with God. The speaker emphasizes that prayer can be done anywhere and at any time, reinforcing the idea that a relationship with God is not confined to specific moments but should be a continuous, integral part of our lives.
Bible reading and memorization are also crucial for spiritual growth. John 15:7 and 2 Timothy 2:15 emphasize the importance of knowing God’s word and letting it guide our lives. Memorizing Scripture allows us to carry God’s word in our hearts, providing comfort and guidance even when we don’t have a Bible at hand.
The speaker touches on the value of praise and thankfulness, citing Ephesians 5:20 and Psalms 106:1, which remind us to give thanks to God for His enduring mercy. Singing and making melody in our hearts to the Lord, as described in Colossians 3:16 and Ephesians 5:19, is another way to express our devotion.
In conclusion, true devotion to God means giving Him the highest priority in our lives. We must set boundaries that ensure nothing comes between us and our relationship with God. The speaker shares an inspiring quote from evangelist Henry Varley, which challenged D.L. Moody to live a life fully consecrated to God. This call to devotion applies to all of us, regardless of our background or circumstances. God desires our hearts and wants us to live fully for Him. The message ends with a reminder to reflect on who we are serving and to commit to living a life devoted to God.