Day 342

Pure Devotion to Christ

Read: 2 Corinthians 11-13

Paul is concerned that his readers have a “pure devotion to Christ” (11:3). He himself is an example of such devotion to which each of us is called.

Such devotion leads us to share God’s Word with the world: “We have made this plain to you in all things” (11:6 ESV). Such devotion calls for paying a price. Paul tells of the price he paid in terms of the dangers and sufferings he endured. We may not be called to pay that price, but we should share his concern for the condition of every Christian congregation. “There is the daily pressure upon me of my anxiety for all the churches” (v. 28). Do we have such a care or are we indifferent to what is happening in other congregations?

While pastors need to be paid so they can devote all their time to the work of the church, devotion to Christ will make pay secondary: “It is you I want—not your money” (12:14, Phillips). Devotion to Christ should be the ultimate motive in the service of both pastors and lay people: “My only reason for so doing is to help you in your spiritual life” (v. 19 Phillips). Devotion to Christ will motivate us to pray urgently for others, “What we pray for is your improvement” (13:9 RSV). May Paul’s closing words to the Corinthian church speak to us today, “Mend your ways, heed my appeal, agree with one another, live in peace” (v. 11).

PRAYER
Father, work in our hearts that devotion to Christ may motivate us in all we do. In his name. Amen.