How can we demonstrate our devotion to God?

Some ways are relatively easy such as reading the Bible and spending time in prayer.

These we can do on our own time.

But there’s another thing we can do that involves other people-

– lending a hand to those who need it.

One of the great joys of the Christian life is the opportunity we have to help each other.

It’s easy to help those you know will help you back.

But look at the people Jesus talks about in Matthew 25.

He says: ‘I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me’ (Matthew 25:35-36).

The people Jesus was talking to were confused, ‘Lord,’ they said, ‘when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ (Matthew 25:37-39).

Jesus responded, ‘As you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me’ (Matthew 25:40).

The righteous in these verses were demonstrating their devotion by going above and beyond in serving each other.

Rather than just helping those who could help them in return-

– they went the extra step and helped those who couldn’t repay them in any way.

They fed people who couldn’t afford food; they clothed people who couldn’t afford garments.

As Jesus’ response indicates, these weren’t just kind gestures to people in need.

They were demonstrations of faithful devotions to God.

Ask yourself:

What opportunities to serve have been presented to me in the last month?

Have I participated in those?

Why or why not?

Do I find myself often asking, ‘What’s in it for me?’

Make the decision to do one thing this week for someone who probably can’t repay you.

Ask God to open your eyes to the need of those around you.

Ask Him to show you how you can meet those needs and demonstrate your devotion!