Devotion 1: Wholehearted Living This Season
I have loved playing and coaching sports my entire life. From basketball to soccer and everything in between, I firmly believe that whatever you do, you should give it your all. The same principle applies to following Christ. It should be our greatest commitment. Romans chapter 12 calls us to be a living sacrifice, meaning we are to live wholeheartedly for Christ.
When Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment was, He responded this way in Matthew 22:37-38, “And he said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment.’” It is a powerful call to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, and mind. However, our culture often erodes our wholehearted devotion to Christ. The distractions and demands of daily life can slowly take priority, pulling us away from what truly matters.
Jesus also addressed this issue in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 6:24, “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other.”
During the Christmas season, it is easy to become distracted and lose focus on this commitment. The busyness of holiday parties, year-end obligations, gift shopping, and festive traditions can be overwhelming. While these activities are not inherently bad, they can shift our focus away from Christ if we are not intentional.
It is all too easy to let the things of this world erode our focus on Christ. Let us be intentional about keeping Christ at the center of all we do. We do not have to cancel our holiday plans or withdraw from celebrations. Instead, we should go through each event with a heart wholly devoted to Him. Whether we are spending time with family, attending Christmas gatherings, or exchanging gifts, may we do it all with an awareness of God’s presence and a heart set on glorifying Him.
Let this be a season where we truly love the Lord our God with all our hearts, souls, and minds. By keeping our focus on Christ, we will experience the joy and peace that only He can bring. May this Christmas be different, not because of fewer commitments or traditions, but because of a renewed dedication to living wholeheartedly for Him.