Devotion Is The Beginning To A Search For Truth

YOU aim at a devout life -- because as a Christian you know that such devotion is most acceptable to God's Divine Majesty. But-- seeing that the small errors people are wont to commit in the beginning of any under taking are apt to wax greater as they advance, and to become irreparable at last-- it is most important that you should thoroughly understand wherein lies the grace of true devotion;--and that because while there undoubtedly is such a true devotion-- there are also many spurious and idle semblances thereof;-- and unless you know which is real, you may mistake, and waste your energy in pursuing an empty, profitless shadow. Arelius was wont to paint all his pictures with the features and expression of the women he loved -- and even so we all color devotion according to our own likings and dispositions. One man sets great value on fasting, and believes himself to be leading a very devout life-- so long as he fasts rigorously-- although the while his heart is full of bitterness;--and while he will not moisten his lips with wine-- perhaps not even with water-- in his great abstinence-- he does not scruple to steep them in his Neighbor's blood -- through slander and detraction. Another man reckons himself as devout because he repeats many prayers daily-- although at the same time he does not refrain from all manner of angry, irritating, conceited or insulting speeches among his family and Neighbors. This man freely opens his purse in almsgiving -- but closes his heart to all gentle and forgiving feelings towards those who are opposed to him-- while that one is ready enough to forgive his enemies, but-- will never pay his rightful debts save under pressure. Meanwhile all these people are conventionally called religious-- but nevertheless they are in no true sense really devout. When Saul's servants sought to take David, Michal induced them to suppose that the lifeless figure lying in his bed, and covered with his garments, was the man they sought; and in like manner many people dress up an exterior with the visible acts expressive of earnest devotion, and -- the world supposes them to be really devout and spiritual-minded -- while all the time they are mere lay figures-- mere phantasms of devotion. But--- in fact -- all true and living devotion presupposes the love of God;--and indeed it is neither more nor less than a very real love of God, though not always of the same kind;-- for that Love one while shining on the soul we call grace -- which makes us acceptable to His Divine Majesty;--when it strengthens us to do well-- it is called Charity;--but when it attains its fullest perfection, in which it not only leads us to do well, but to act carefully, diligently, and promptly, then --- it is called Devotion. The ostrich never flies--the hen rises --with difficulty, and achieves but a brief and rare flight but-- the eagle, the dove, and the swallow, are continually on the wing -- and soar high;--even so sinners do not rise towards "GOD"--- for all their movements are earthly and earthbound. Well-meaning people, who have not as yet attained a true devotion-- attempt a manner of flight by means of their good actions, but rarely, slowly and heavily--- while really devout men rise up to God frequently -- and with a swift and soaring wing. In short-- devotion is simply a spiritual activity and liveliness by means of which Divine Love works in us -- and causes us to work briskly and lovingly-- and --just as charity leads us to a general practice of all "GODS" Commandments -- so devotion leads us to practise them readily and diligently. And therefore we cannot call him who neglects to observe all "GODS" Commandments either good or devout -- because in order to be good -- a man must be filled with love, and to be devout. He must further be very ready and apt to perform the deeds of love. And-- forasmuch as devotion consists in a high degree of real love -- it not only makes us ready, active, and diligent in following all "GODS" Commands -- but it also excites us to be ready and loving in performing as many good works as possible -- even such as are not enjoined upon us-- but are only matters of counsel or inspiration. Even as a man just recovering from illness, walks only so far as he is obliged to go-- with a slow and weary step-- so the converted sinner journeys along as far as God commands him but slowly and wearily -- until he attains a true spirit of devotion -- and then -- like a sound man -- he not only gets along -- but he runs and leaps in the way of "GODS" Commands -- and hastens gladly along the paths of heavenly counsels and inspirations. The difference between love and devotion is just that which exists between fire and flame. Love -- being a spiritual fire-- which becomes devotion-- when it is fanned into a flame --and what devotion adds to the fire of love is that flame which makes it eager-- energetic and diligent -- not merely in obeying "GODS" Commandments-- but in fulfilling His Divine Counsels and inspirations. We here at the Neighborhood forum have sought each others counsels--through what we have in our own hearts--considered to be a devotion--unto our "GOD"--our Savior--and even unto each other.We have spent well over a quarter of a year dancing around the subjects in a manner akin to a dual -rather than an inspired quest for fellowship, and a divinely inspired Love found only in our Creator and manifested to us through the power of the Holy spirit. knowledge of our Creator can only be found when we come together as one --in search of our true destiny as child like lovers of our Savior.I'm challenging us all to now pause within our selves in a devoted prayer--that leads us into an evolved fellowship of seekers and lovers of scriptural and traditional truths. My past few days have forced me into a self inventory which has resulted in a new found desire to expand this forum into one that attracts those who are tired of the same old debates--to one where a deeper understanding can be nurtued and spring forth in a good fruit. This is not barren soil here--but can be as fertile as a valley deep in rich verdant life.Please join me in this new quest. You are all welcome to join me and go forward into topics with anew found energy of oneness.Let's sour like Eagles above our humanity and towards our salvation together.

Yodi. I know you already have devotion figured out. I can see it in the love that shines from your very essence. You should be throwing me the ball--and a good dose of humility. Now please throw me the ball. Gently-- as I continue grow into my humble awareness.