For some time now I've been wondering about Devotions. What does the word mean? Why do we use it (instead of other, maybe more clear, words)? When did we degin to use it? Do we even know what is meant by it when we use it today? And, if we don't know what it truly means how can we be sure we are doing them right?
We sometimes use the term "quiet time" interchangably with it. Do they mean the same thing? Are they understood the same way? Does one help to define the others? Do we normally understand this to mean that it is quiet around us (which is sometimes the impression I get) or that it is a time when we are quiet?
What is really meant to be conbeyed by these terms anyway? What are we trying to accomplish? What should we be trying to accomplish? Are we (accomplishing either of these)?
As a rule I dislike devotional books. With their tiny short entries, little drops of Bible verses, and "it's all wrapped up" feeling. That doesn't feel very devoted to me? I mean, doesn't the term devote imply a desire to spend more time, not less? It was this kind of thinking that got me wondering about the word, and the action, in the first place! I mean, if you don't know what "devotions" means, how can you ever actually be sure you are doing them? Or it?
I'm convinced there are many people who have devotions or quiet times and never get anything out of them, or it. I know I used to. I did them out of obligation (everyone knows you are supposed to do devotions everyday - although according to the devotions books it's unclear if everyday includes weekends or not). I'd hit pause on my day, sit down, whip through my assigned book, breath a prayer and then hit play on my day. It had very little overall affect.
"Oh, did I do my devotions yet today?" was no different than, "Oh, I still have to wash the dishes." Just one more task to squeeze in.
I find it impossible to believe that I'm the only one doing devotions this way (well, I was, I no longer do them like this). I'm convinced, if we were honest, many of us feel the same struggle. Wondering, now, tell me again why I'm doing this? Is there a point to this? My favorite is when we somehow convince ourselves that we do them for God who is benefitting, basking in our distracted 15 minutes of attention, even if we get nothing but the stress of whether or not we've done devotions today out of the event.
So all this thinking led me to wonder - why do we use the word "Devotions" and what does it mean anyway? And, do we now need to change the word we use so that we can dispose of the negative connotations (quickie obligation) that now go along with the word? Hmmm...
Got a second? Help me with my experiment... What does Devotions mean? What do you do in your devotions (do you do them regularly)? Why? And, be honest... are they working for you? I mean, do you feel confident and strong in them or do you sometimes wonder if this is the way they are supposed to go? You can post a comment, or to be anonymous email me. I've been dying to find out what others think...