The Ladder of Devotion
(5 minutes)
"This example has revolutionized by intimacy, my devotion...This ladder represents three words. In any relationship, if you want to be successful, you need these three words. You can't have one without the other two. I'm going to introduce you to those three words. You can find them in every detail of the Bible. You can find them in your devotion." (Pastor Tim)
They are intimacy, honor, and order. Imagine these words making up every part of a ladder. We'll call this the Ladder of Devotion. If any part is removed, the ladder is worthless.
Intimacy - this is the love affair. It's your heart for Yahweh. It's the intimate, face-to-face moments that you share with Him in His presence. It's the times when we open our hearts to Him and become vulnerable with Him. Intimacy speaks of love.
Honor - this is when you begin to value the other person's life, what they say, what they value, and what they think. You begin to prioritize them and devote more of your time, talent, and treasure towards the relationship. Honor speaks of value.
Order - this is when you trust the goodness of Yahweh so much that you can submit your life to Him and His plan. Order happens when He becomes Lord over an area and a new level of freedom is released in your life. Because wherever the Spirit is Lord, there is freedom. Order speaks of authority.
It takes all of these things, working together, to elevate any relationship. And it's not just establishing these things one time. Notice that the words appear at every rung, because "just like in every relationship, you grow as you grow in intimacy, honor, and order." (Pastor Tim)
Every level requires another investment in intimacy, honor, and order. This is how we go from complete strangers to saying, "I do," at an altar. Every rung costs us a little more. But as the costs grow, so does the reward. With every investment in intimacy, honor, and order, comes a new level of freedom, abundance, and life.
This example is so significant when it comes to your devotion to Yahweh. Honestly, it's significant for every relationship in your life that Abba has planted you in. This is how we see growth and fruit spring up in the garden of our relationship with Yahweh, our relationship with our family, and our relationship with the Kingdom family around us.
Consider your relationship with Abba today. Has intimacy been established in your life with God? If intimacy has been established, ask yourself whether or not you've allowed honor to be cultivated. Maybe intimacy and honor have been established, and now it's time to fully submit to Yahweh's Lordship in a certain area of your life. Once that area is brought into order, you will experience a new level of freedom, joy, and peace that you have not known. This is the journey to becoming fully alive. This is the pathway to having our Garden-status restored. This is the way we walk with Yahweh in closer union.
Intimacy, honor, and order.
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Worship: "Closer" by Maverick City Music
Honor: Give Online to The Wilderness Place
Share With Us: We would love to hear how you're encountering Abba in your daily walks. Don't hesitate to share what you're hearing, seeing, or sensing in His presence. Email us here!
