Devotionless duty should not be confused with discipline that flows from love, a love that desires to please the person of affection. The Christian practices a disciplined devotion because he loves this Lord who had pity on him, who without cause but with love healed the believer’s wounds and nurtured him. This same Lover of sinners made a thief a confidant, a rebel his friend, and a wretch His ambassador. It is because of such undeserved mercy that the Christian is moved to pursue his Lord in prayer and the study of His words.

There is a nourishment that comes from this discipline. When it is missing, the quest takes on urgency. It must be found. This is completely different from the dutiful bondage that men are made to slave under. Religion without love is a cruel taskmaster that will keep you from hope.

But when discipline is fueled by love, it is a servant that sets the heart free to know the Lord of grace. The key then is to love Jesus as the pearl of great price. Let that be the motive of your discipline. Set an hour to pray and study and jealously guard it. Make it a habit of love.