Reading notes on: Devotional Classics / Preparing for the Spiritual Life / Page 26

The fourth selection includes excerpts from Introduction to the Devout Life by Francis de Sales (1567-1622).

Once again, today’s devotion spoke directly to my recent thoughts. It begins by discussing “phantom devotion” that is when a person does things that make him outwardly appear devout… but inwardly their hearts are not in line with God’s.

Francis de Sales defines “genuine, living devotion” as simply true love of God. He says this true devotion is sugar which removes the bitterness from discipline and sweetens “the most cruel torments and even death itself.”

In fact, this love for God makes everything sweeter, he writes,

“So also every vocation becomes more agreeable when united with devotion. Care of one’s family is rendered more peaceable, love of husband and wife more sincere, service of one’s prince more faithful, and every type of employment more pleasant and agreeable.” (30)

This emphasis on loving God addressed a longing I’ve had lately: to love God more. I contemplated the words this morning, talked to Rachel about them before church and prayed that God would show me how to love him more.

Then I went to church and listened to Pastor Bradford’s sermon on…. How to love God. Of course he preached on exactly what I had been reading and praying about. I’m not even surprised anymore. It’s just too obvious that Someone is orchestrating my life lately.

Bible Selection: Romans 13:8-10