Devotion

           Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. (Romans 12:10)

What does it mean to be devoted? The etymology of the word is that something that was devoted was set aside for some purpose by a vow. It was a formal, legal act that effectively made the thing that you have devoted no longer yours. I know people who were devoted to TV shows like Game of Thrones and Walking Dead. There are folks who are devoted to some sport, whether playing, watching, or both. Heaven help you if you interrupt or interfere.

My first inclination with regard to being devoted is that I have a hard time devoting myself to anything. I’d like to say “except God,” but I don’t think my life bears witness to that devotion at the moment. The problem is, I spent 20 years tracing my family tree. When I got home from work, I’d get online. My vacations were spent – at least in part – wandering through cemeteries and sitting in libraries. I spent most mornings this past winter weeding other people’s gardens. I’ve already spent hours working on my garden this spring and spent lots more money than someone would if they weren’t devoted, but whole bunches less than many of the people who come through the garden center. One of my coworkers said he spends about $1000 per year on his garden. Yikes! And since he knows a lot more about gardening, I’ll bet his gardens are wonderful.

But, returning to the passage, what about being devoted to one another? Maybe, if the others are family, or someone with whom we’ve become friends, but what about that emotionally needy person who seem to think you’re her friend? Or that person whose language isn’t sanctified? Or the person who (gasp) disagrees with you on either political or philosophical/religious matters? That’s where devotion gets a little harder.

And what of the second issue raised in this verse? What of honoring them. We’re called not only to hang with them regularly and work in their best interest, but to honor them above ourselves! What does honor mean? The etymology doesn’t really help here – but it seems to come down to treating them like they’re important. Can you imagine what that would do to someone who was being beaten down by family, friends, society, etc.?

Some of honoring others goes back to the love languages. Some people show devotion and honor through their words. Others, through their acts of service. Another group does so by spending quality time with the person. Still another honors with physical touch. Think of what that would mean to a leper. And another group honors with gifts. I used to think that because I am good with words, that I loved through words, but what I am finding is that I can and will work myself to injury and exhaustion. But I find it hard to sing the praises of someone who hasn’t impressed me.

These are skills we need to learn before the going gets rough, because when it does, the folks around us will need our devotion and honor. That will be what may give them the strength to carry on one more day.