What Does Devout Mean as a Christian?

Studying the life of Jesus throughout the Bible is essential in learning what it means to be a devout Christian.

Because cultural tradition generally defines what it means to be a devout Christian, it is essential to examine the foundations of the Christian faith to find its meaning. Dictionary.com defines the word "devout" as one who expresses devotion or piety. Although the celebration of Christmas and Easter, church attendance, and tithing is held in high esteem in modern Christianity, the Biblical text and the person of Jesus Christ can help explain what being a devout Christian really looks like. In John 14:6 (New Revised Standard Version), Jesus says that he is the way, the truth and the life, thus, a devout Christian must live a life that looks like Jesus'.

Caring for the Sick, Poor and Marginalized of Society

All throughout Jesus' life, he is seen healing the sick, taking care of the poor and restoring dignity to those throughout his society who have been stripped of their humanity. For example, in Luke 17, Jesus heals a group of lepers who had been isolated, reintegrating them into society by taking care of their medical conditions. In Matthew 4, Jesus is seen curing various diseases, sicknesses and disabilities of those around him Learning from Jesus' example, James writes that pure and undefiled Christianity is one that cares for widows and orphans in their distress. Being a devout Christian entails following after Jesus' example in caring for the sick, poor and marginalized in your society.

Continuously Studying and Applying the Biblical Text

Being a devout Christian entails constant study and application of the biblical text. Jesus' life displays a knowledge of the Biblical texts that narrates the history of Israel and the intentions that God had for his people from the beginning of creation. Throughout Jesus' life, he is constantly referring to the Law of Moses as instruction for the way to live his life (Matthew 5, Mark 7, Luke 5). Jesus both refers to the Biblical texts, and applies them to his current historical moment. Without this kind of knowledge of the biblical text, Christians are uninformed in the way to obey and live a life devoted to God.

Constant Prayer

Jesus' example shows that prayer is an essential practice in everyday life. Jesus is found praying in Matthew 26, Mark 1, Mark 14, Luke 6, Luke 22 and many other places throughout each of the Gospel accounts. In Matthew 6, Jesus teaches his followers how to pray, expecting them to learn from his example and continue the practice of prayer. Jesus teaches that prayer is a way for devout Christians to connect with the heart of God, becoming informed and empowered to live a life that would please God. Prayer is a necessary practice for devout Christians in fulfilling God's desires throughout the world. In 1 Thessalonians 5, Paul the Apostle, learning from Jesus' life, encourages the church to pray without ceasing.

Sacrifical Love for Your Neighbor

Jesus' life shows that sacrificial love is necessary in being a devout Christian. Jesus was often inconvenienced and taken away from any personal agenda to serve and love those in need around him. Ultimately, Jesus even allowed himself to be crucified in order to show the world that God values sacrifice over retaliation, sacrifice over violence and sacrifice over selfishness. All of Jesus' teachings necessitate devout Christians to love their neighbor as themselves, considering their neighbor's needs even above their own (Mark 12, Luke 6, Luke 10). In John 13:35, Jesus says that devout Christians will be recognized by the world by the love that they display to one another.

References

• Dictionary.com: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/devout, 2009.