Devotedness to God is a defining trait of those recognized as saints within the Christian tradition. This devotedness is characterized by a wholehearted commitment to God, manifesting in obedience, worship, and a life that seeks to glorify Him in all things. The saints, as depicted in Scripture, exemplify a life set apart for God's purposes, demonstrating unwavering faith and dedication.

Biblical Foundations

The concept of devotedness to God is deeply rooted in the Bible. In Deuteronomy 6:5, the Israelites are commanded, "Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength" . This commandment underscores the totality of devotion expected from God's people. The saints are those who embody this command, living lives that reflect their love and commitment to God.

In the New Testament, Jesus reiterates this commandment as the greatest, saying, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind" (Matthew 22:37). This call to love God wholly is a central tenet of Christian life and a hallmark of the saints.

Examples of Devotedness

Throughout the Bible, numerous figures exemplify devotedness to God. Abraham, known as the father of faith, demonstrated his devotion through obedience, even when asked to sacrifice his son Isaac (Genesis 22:1-19). His willingness to trust and obey God, despite the personal cost, marks him as a model of devotedness.

King David, described as a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14), also exemplifies this trait. Despite his failings, David's life was characterized by a deep desire to honor God, as seen in his psalms of worship and repentance. His devotion is captured in Psalm 63:1, "O God, You are my God; earnestly I seek You; my soul thirsts for You" .

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul stands out as a paragon of devotedness. His life, transformed by an encounter with Christ, was marked by tireless missionary work and a willingness to suffer for the sake of the Gospel. Paul expresses his devotion in Philippians 3:8, "I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord" .

Characteristics of Devotedness

Devotedness to God involves several key characteristics:

1. Obedience: Saints demonstrate their devotion through obedience to God's commands. Jesus said, "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments" (John 14:15). Obedience is a tangible expression of love and devotion.

2. Worship: A life of worship is central to devotedness. Saints prioritize worship, both individually and corporately, as a means of honoring God and expressing their love for Him.

3. Sacrifice: Devotedness often involves sacrifice, as seen in the lives of biblical saints. This may include giving up personal desires, enduring hardship, or even facing persecution for the sake of faith.

4. Faithfulness: Saints remain faithful to God, even in the face of trials and temptations. Their steadfastness is a testament to their deep-rooted devotion.

5. Holiness: Devotedness to God is closely linked with holiness. Saints strive to live lives that are set apart, reflecting God's character and values.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in cultivating devotedness to God. It is through the Spirit's work that believers are empowered to live lives of devotion. The Spirit guides, convicts, and strengthens the saints, enabling them to grow in their love and commitment to God.

Conclusion

Devotedness to God is a hallmark of the saints, reflecting a life wholly committed to the Lord. Through obedience, worship, sacrifice, faithfulness, and holiness, the saints exemplify what it means to love God with all one's heart, soul, and mind. This devotedness is both a response to God's love and a testament to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life.Job 23:12
Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Piety.
... it is a mixture of respect, devotedness and tenderness ... God has reserved to Himself
the right of ... of His divine Son, the essential characteristic of predestination ...
/.../sainte-foi/serious hours of a young lady/chapter xi piety.htm

Chapter iv
... apparent from the very manifest parallelism of the members; the characteristic feature,
at ... Simplicity of life and devotedness to their God characterize this ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter iv.htm

From his Return from Russia to his Last Journey.
... With characteristic simplicity, he made various inquiries respecting our ... my heart
(cherish it, O, my God) to live ... Grant me, Lord, more devotedness of life, and ...
/.../chapter xx from his return.htm

Introductory Notice Respecting Tauler's Life and Times
... The Dominicans, with their characteristic address, retained the conflicting elements
within their ... Thus, in order to this entire devotedness to God, we find ...
/.../introductory notice respecting taulers life.htm

Covenanting Confers Obligation.
... Covenanting as a means of securing devotedness to the ... those who at any time fear
God, but of ... her communion on earth, but her characteristic absolute identity ...
/.../the ordinance of covenanting/chapter v covenanting confers obligation.htm

John Calvin. His Life and Character.
... types of faith, of earnest piety, of devotedness, and of ... In this characteristic he
may be compared with Aquinas. ... He felt that God was near him, and sacrificed ...
/.../creeds of christendom with a history and critical notes/ 56 john calvin his.htm

From 1787 to 1791 Inclusive
... Nor were the expressions of devotedness to the government ... the same year, also the
Hymnbook, Saints' Rest, and ... a deeply devoted man of God, inspiring confidence ...
/.../a history of the methodist episcopal church volume i/chapter 2 from 1787 to.htm

An Essay on the Scriptural Doctrine of Immortality.
... who have not discovered that this characteristic pervades all ... are the elect, and
who not, which God only knows ... of the seafaring man, and the devotedness of the ...
/.../an essay on the scriptural.htm

Church Fabrics and Services.
... repewed,' had been for many years past a characteristic part of ... and utterly discordant
to the worship of a God who is ... Above, around, the pictured saints appear ...
/.../the english church in the eighteenth century/chapter x church fabrics and.htm

The Evangelical Revival.
... on that day to preach on the Communion of Saints. ... of Christian perfection,[741] though,
with characteristic humility, he ... of Methodism the hand of God; but, in ...
/.../chapter ix the evangelical revival.htm

What does it mean to be devout? | GotQuestions.org

Devotedness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus