Genuine Devotion

James 1:22-27

Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you. (James 1:27)

IN THE 1200S, a spiritual movement began in the Low Countries of northern Europe. Certain women called Beguines chose a lifestyle of devotion in which they lived together, wore humble clothing, worked to support themselves, and sought to imitate Jesus in their care for the poor and simple lifestyle. They were somewhat like nuns but not cloistered away in separation from the world, not permanently bound by any vows, and not under any official authority or structure. They remained integrated into society while maintaining a sense of distinction from it.

That’s a hard balance to maintain, but it’s one every Christian must try to sort out. We are called to live distinctive lives but also to remain in the world as influencers of it. The Beguines managed to mark themselves for Christ and live with devotion while continuing in their normal patterns of work and community relationships. Their devotion affected the way they earned and spent money, related to others, developed a sense of community and fellowship, and participated in the larger religious life of the town. They let their commitment shape every area of their lives. In other words, they did what Christians are supposed to do.

Christians today may not dress in distinctive ways or be recognizable purely by our work and spending habits (though we seem to have developed our own vocabulary and subculture). But we are nevertheless urged to live distinctly from the world while remaining in the middle of it. We are ministers of healing who must carry the responsibility of meeting needs and solving social ills. We are servants of the common good who love the world but not worldliness, striving to remain unstained by its corruptions. We live as salt and light by demonstrating what we support rather than focusing on what we don’t. We must always remember that we are devoted to a Savior who is devoted to saving people in their fallenness, brokenness, and pain.

{Jesus, my commitment to you always has implications for how I live. Transform me thoroughly to distinguish me from the world around me—and to love the world around me as you do. Grant me pure and genuine devotion. Amen.