And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. — Acts 2:42-43

I think we read a text like this, and we are both inspired and irritated by it. We are inspired by it because we see the awe, wonder, and signs. As a result, we have some intrigue about this first-century experience. We may even wonder why we don't see more of this today. At the same time, we are mutually irritated by it because it's clear that their devotion to one another was something that gave way to the wonder of it all. And it was devotion to some fundamental activities: teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer.

The longer I have lived, the more I have noticed so much driving the church away from these fundamental activities. Church used to be a place we spent most of our time, now it's only a place we visit occasionally. We are becoming more isolated from relationships every day. Our homes, vehicles, careers, pace, and activities are pulling us apart and driving us away from one another. Over this last year, we even shut the church down, isolating people from each other, which sped up our trajectory. As a result, many followers worldwide have left the church, and many will never return. But what led us to this point? Was it not our selfish preferences? Is it not true that in isolation, we are free to do what we want and be who we want. Could it not be that other things have captured our devotion? And now we are no longer capable of being devoted to one another?

I think it's time for us as followers to get back to the basics. To push away from the isolation that our selfish inclinations prefer. Maybe this week, take a step toward devotion to the body again. Just call up a follower in the faith. Schedule a lunch with them (and not another video meeting.) Push yourself toward proximity, and get over the discomfort of the "wasted" time. And when you get there, find a way to talk through a short devotional, share some thoughts, eat a meal, pray together and see if God doesn't do something awesome and wonderful for you.

ASK THIS: What's preventing you from devotion to the body of Christ? (Share it in the comments below)

DO THIS: Schedule a meet-up with another Christian.

PRAY THIS: God, I confess I have been too devoted to the wrong things. Help me to refocus my devotion to you and relationships in the body of Christ.

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