Devotedness to God is a central theme throughout the Scriptures, emphasizing the importance of dedicating not only our hearts and minds but also our material possessions to the service and glory of God. This concept is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, where the faithful are called to honor God with their substance, recognizing Him as the ultimate source of all blessings.

Biblical Foundation

The call to honor God with our substance is explicitly stated in Proverbs 3:9-10 : "Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your harvest; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine." This passage underscores the principle that our material resources should be used to glorify God, acknowledging His provision and sovereignty.

In the Old Testament, the Israelites were instructed to bring tithes and offerings as a tangible expression of their devotion and gratitude. Leviticus 27:30 states, "Thus any tithe of the land, whether from the seed of the land or the fruit of the trees, belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD." This commandment highlights the sanctity of dedicating a portion of one's substance to God, reinforcing the idea that all we possess is ultimately His.

New Testament Perspective

The New Testament continues this theme, encouraging believers to be generous and willing to share. In 2 Corinthians 9:7 , Paul writes, "Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver." This verse emphasizes the attitude with which we should give, suggesting that our offerings should be a joyful expression of our devotion to God.

Jesus Himself taught about the importance of using our resources for God's kingdom. In Matthew 6:19-21 , He instructs, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." This teaching challenges believers to prioritize eternal values over temporal wealth, directing their substance towards heavenly purposes.

Examples of Devotedness

Throughout the Bible, there are numerous examples of individuals who demonstrated their devotedness to God through their substance. One notable example is the widow in Mark 12:41-44 , who gave two small coins, all she had to live on. Jesus commended her, saying, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others." Her sacrificial giving exemplifies the heart of true devotion, where the value of the gift is measured by the spirit of the giver rather than the amount.

Another example is found in the early church, where believers shared their possessions to meet the needs of the community. Acts 4:32-35 describes how "no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they owned." This communal sharing was a powerful testimony of their commitment to God and each other, reflecting a deep sense of unity and purpose.

Practical Application

Devotedness to God with our substance calls for a lifestyle of stewardship, where we recognize that everything we have is entrusted to us by God. This perspective encourages believers to use their resources wisely, supporting the work of the church, aiding those in need, and investing in endeavors that advance God's kingdom.

In practical terms, this may involve regular tithing, charitable giving, and a willingness to respond to the needs of others as they arise. It also means living with a sense of contentment and gratitude, acknowledging that our true wealth is found in our relationship with God and the eternal treasures we store up in heaven.Exodus 22:29
You shall not delay to offer the first of your ripe fruits, and of your liquors: the firstborn of your sons shall you give to me.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 3:9
Honor the LORD with your substance, and with the first fruits of all your increase:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Christian Devotedness, Etc.
... children was owing to an enlarged view of devotedness to God on ... if the eye had always
the glory of God as the ... If that glory were our only aim, we should be all ...
/.../groves/christian devotedness/christian devotedness etc.htm

The God of the Aged
... If I had to live over again, I should only want to put myself into the ... to be saved
because of my long service, nor because of my devotedness to God's cause ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/the god of the aged.htm

Of the Vanity and Crimes, Impious Superstitions, and of the ...
... concerning divine things, lest they should both be ... heavenly warfare, requires the
greatest devotedness and fidelity. For how will God either love the worshipper ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xx of the vanity and.htm

Of the Law and Precept of God; of Mercy, and the Error of the ...
... pray, has it in itself, that philosophers should say that ... in the acknowledging and
worship of God; all the ... to His service with the utmost devotedness: let our ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap ix of the law and.htm

the Use of Humiliation
... and what is a damnable state, but a devotedness to carnal self and a ... away that which
you have not; but methinks all that you have should be devoted to God. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/section 1 - the use.htm

Of the Necessity of Divine Influences to Produce Regeneration in ...
... there is a consciousness of an undissembled love to God, an unreserved devotedness
to his ... and acts here, though it is impossible he should remember anything ...
/.../practical discourses on regeneration/discourse vii of the necessity.htm

Appendix.
... is a token for good; and the devotedness of the ... in its highest character, appears
the work of God. ... much of the agents immediately employed, we should not be ...
//christianbookshelf.org/cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/appendix.htm

The Dignity of Woman.
... in society the spirit of sacrifice and devotedness. ... thoughts and sentiments
corresponding to God's designs over ... She should nourish her soul with the vivifying ...
/.../sainte-foi/serious hours of a young lady/chapter iv the dignity of.htm

Calcutta and the Mission Centres from Delhi to Amboyna
... heart, and meditate much upon the pure and holy character of God; live a life of
prayer and devotedness to God ... I give you both up to God, and should I never ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter vii calcutta and the.htm

The Missionary in India (Continued).
... who condemn appeals to fear, we should be ignoring ... degree of success"to more unreserved
devotedness to Christ ... message, and a larger effusion of God's Spirit. ...
/.../life and work in benares and kumaon 1839-1877/chapter xxv the missionary in.htm

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

Devotedness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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