Devotedness to God, often expressed as living to Christ, is a central theme in Christian theology and practice. It encompasses the believer's commitment to live a life that reflects the teachings and character of Jesus Christ, as revealed in the Scriptures. This devotedness is not merely an external adherence to religious practices but an internal transformation that affects every aspect of a believer's life.

Biblical Foundation

The call to live a life devoted to God is rooted in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. In Romans 12:1, the Apostle Paul urges believers, "Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship." This verse highlights the concept of offering oneself wholly to God, indicating that true worship involves a life dedicated to His service.

In Galatians 2:20, Paul further emphasizes this devotedness by stating, "I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me." Here, the apostle describes the believer's identity as being so intertwined with Christ that their life is a reflection of His presence and purpose.

Characteristics of Devotedness

1. Obedience to God's Word: A life devoted to God is marked by a commitment to obey His commandments. Jesus Himself said, "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments" (John 14:15). This obedience is not out of obligation but out of love and gratitude for the salvation received through Christ.

2. Holiness and Sanctification: Devotedness involves a pursuit of holiness, as believers are called to be set apart for God's purposes. 1 Peter 1:15-16 instructs, "But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'"

3. Love and Service: Living to Christ is characterized by love for God and others. Jesus summarized the law with the command to love God with all one's heart and to love one's neighbor as oneself (Matthew 22:37-39). This love is demonstrated through acts of service and compassion.

4. Faith and Trust: A devoted life is one that trusts in God's sovereignty and goodness, even amidst trials. Hebrews 11:6 states, "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him."

5. Prayer and Worship: Regular communication with God through prayer and worship is essential for maintaining a devoted life. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages believers, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Examples of Devotedness

The Bible provides numerous examples of individuals who exemplified devotedness to God. The life of the Apostle Paul is a profound illustration of living to Christ. Despite facing persecution, imprisonment, and hardship, Paul remained steadfast in his mission to spread the Gospel, declaring, "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21).

Another example is found in the life of King David, who, despite his imperfections, was described as a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). David's psalms often reflect his deep devotion and reliance on God, as seen in Psalm 63:1, "O God, You are my God; earnestly I seek You; my soul thirsts for You."

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in enabling believers to live a life devoted to God. The Spirit empowers, guides, and transforms the believer, producing the fruit of the Spirit, which includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Through the Spirit's work, believers are equipped to live in a manner that honors Christ and fulfills God's purposes.2 Corinthians 5:15
And that he died for all, that they which live should not from now on live to themselves, but to him which died for them, and rose again.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Spirit Christ's Witness.
... He by His integrity of purpose and devotedness and love ... Thus He simply by living
accomplished what the law ... Me no more." Without holiness no man shall see God. ...
/.../xiv the spirit christs witness.htm

The Father Seen in Christ.
... to be won only by loving Him and living in Him ... the full assurance of the personal
love of God and of ... to them in His person, gave their devotedness an impulse ...
/.../dods/the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol ii/x the father seen in.htm

More Light and Less Love
... Him that the joy and gladness, the devotedness and the ... is there one who humbles himself
before God on account ... but of all everywhere who have a living faith in ...
/.../bevan/three friends of god/chapter xlviii more light and.htm

The Christ of the Gospels.
... No; but addressing God and forgetting himself, he exclaims ... your agony, and rail at
your devotedness; to excuse ... copy, what must not the living Christ have been? ...
/.../the christ of the gospels 2.htm

Christian Devotedness, Etc.
... children was owing to an enlarged view of devotedness to God ... may catch a kindred
spirit from a living exhibition ... but he, that doeth the will of God, abideth for ...
/.../groves/christian devotedness/christian devotedness etc.htm

The God of the Aged
... grace." Beloved, we need not prove to you farther, for living witnesses do ... be saved
because of my long service, nor because of my devotedness to God's cause ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/the god of the aged.htm

Fifteenth Day. Pleasing God.
... so many ebbings and flowings in our tide of devotedness! ... God burned within His bosom
like a living fire ... Let the thought of God's approving countenance be enough ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/macduff/the mind of jesus/fifteenth day pleasing god.htm

Modern Examples of Prayer
... of which he drew daily the living water for ... is a remarkable example of a praying
man of God. ... exquisite prudence, indefatigable industry; such devotedness to God ...
/.../bounds/the weapon of prayer/xi modern examples of prayer.htm

Note C. --Chap. vii George Muller and his Second Conversion
... me to see a higher standard of devotedness than I ... to be despised, to be poor and
mean with Christ . . ... works of uninspired men to the oracles of the Living God. ...
/.../murray/the two covenants/note c chap vii george muller.htm

Jehovah Tsidkenu: the Lord Our Righteousness
... Drawn out in living characters.". ... No one that I know of has dared to charge Christ
with unrighteousness to man, or with a want of devotedness to God. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/jehovah tsidkenu the lord our.htm

What does it mean to be devout? | GotQuestions.org

Devotedness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus