Article March 28, 1988 Issue

Maintaining our devotion to God

Are you feeling far from God? Deepening our spiritual understanding of Him rekindles the inspiration that gives assurance of His presence.

Jeannie J. Ferber

When a wood stove is burning at full capacity, it can make a snowbound home in New England feel like Florida on the Fourth of July. Of course, that works only when you keep the stove supplied. There has been more than one wintry day when I've reached up and found my nose nearly numb because I had neglected to tend the stove.

I've learned that without regular tending, our awareness of our relationship to God also can slip away just as unnoticeably. It happens so gradually that we are surprised when we finally feel the chill. Prayerful moments that used to glow with inspiration become dull and sometimes are crowded out of consciousness altogether. Study of the Bible and of the Christian Science textbook, Science and Health by Mrs. Eddy, is sporadic and church attendance occasional. The heart just doesn't seem to feel the warmth over the things of God that it used to.

What's the staying power in one's devotion to God? Perhaps the question is best answered by example. Consider the lives of Christ Jesus' nearest disciples. For three years they faithfully followed their Master. They surely loved him—loved him enough to change their whole lives and take up new careers as his disciples. These were proofs of honest devotion.

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