Going Through the Motions (SLR Devo)

Scripture: Acts 4:5-12 (CEB)

⁵ The next day the leaders, elders, and legal experts gathered in Jerusalem, ⁶ along with Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and others from the high priest’s family. ⁷ They had Peter and John brought before them and asked, “By what power or in what name did you do this?”

⁸ Then Peter, inspired by the Holy Spirit, answered, “Leaders of the people and elders, ⁹ are we being examined today because something good was done for a sick person, a good deed that healed him? ¹⁰ If so, then you and all the people of Israel need to know that this man stands healthy before you because of the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene—whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead. ¹¹ This Jesus is the stone you builders rejected; he has become the cornerstone! ^{12 Salvation can be found in no one else. Throughout the whole world, no other name has been given among humans through which we must be saved.”}

Lyric: The Motions by Matthew West

“I don’t wanna go through the motions. 
I don’t wanna go one more day
without Your all-consuming passion inside of me. 
I don’t wanna spend my whole life asking,
‘What if I had given everything
instead of going through the motions.’”

(Matthew West, The Motions)

Reflection

In Acts 4:5-12, Peter and John boldly proclaim the Gospel despite facing opposition from the religious authorities. Their actions reflect a profound and genuine faith that goes beyond merely going through the motions. It's about deeply understanding and embracing the truth of who Jesus is and what he accomplished through his death and resurrection.

"Salvation can be found in no one else," Peter proclaims. It's easy to fall into the trap of believing that something or someone else will save us – going through our religious motions, for example, whatever they might be. Knowing Jesus and putting our complete trust in him is the path to salvation.

Being part of a Christian community—a church—is of the utmost importance for growth, development, and maturation in Christ. We can only become full and complete in the community of other believers, but going through the "churchy motions" without a heart fully surrendered to Christ is not our purpose.

Heavenly Father, we bow before you today, thankful for all that you have done in our lives. Forgive us for the times when our trust in you has been shallow, immature, and lacking. Help us examine our hearts and cultivate a faith that is vibrant, authentic, and unwavering.

Fill us with boldness, like Peter and John, empowered to proclaim and live out the gospel boldly each day, even when it's not easy. May our lives reflect the transformative power found only in you.

Guide us, Lord, to live out our beliefs with passion and purpose, demonstrating your love, compassion, and justice to all we encounter.

In the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer, we pray. Amen.