Understanding True Devotion

 

In this chapter from Introduction to the Devout Life, St. Francis de Sales teaches us about true devotion. But what does that mean for us, in our everyday lives?

We all want to live a good and devout life because we know it’s pleasing to God. But just like in any project, when we make small mistakes at the beginning, those mistakes can grow and become bigger if we don’t correct them. So, understanding what true devotion is—and what it is not—becomes important.

Think of devotion like this: Imagine you’re painting a picture. Whatever is most important to you will come out in the painting. In the same way, our idea of being devout often matches what we like or feel most comfortable with. For example, some people think fasting makes them devout. They won’t eat certain foods, yet they are quick to gossip or speak poorly of others. Others may pray every day, but their hearts are filled with anger or pride. True devotion is not about external actions alone.

What True Devotion Is Not

St. Francis gives examples of people who think they are devout because they do certain good things, but their hearts are not in the right place.

• A person who fasts but gossips or speaks badly about others isn’t truly devout.
• Someone who prays all the time but treats their family badly or is always angry is not devout either.
• A person who gives money to the poor but holds grudges or refuses to forgive their enemies is also not truly devout.

These people may appear religious to others, but deep inside, they lack the genuine love and devotion to God that should be present in their hearts. They are like the lifeless figure that Michal placed in David’s bed to trick Saul’s servants—they look the part on the outside but are empty on the inside.

What True Devotion Really Is

True devotion, according to St. Francis, begins with love. Devotion is a special kind of love for God. This love, when it is real and sincere, moves us to act—not just to follow God’s commandments but to do so with joy, energy, and eagerness. When we are truly devoted, we don’t do things for God out of obligation or because others are watching, but because we love Him and want to please Him.

Think of it like this:

• A sinner’s life is like a bird that can’t fly, bound to the earth by sin.
• A well-meaning person tries to fly but does so slowly and with difficulty.
• But a truly devout person soars like an eagle, flying freely and with grace towards God.

This soaring, this eager desire to follow God’s will, is what separates true devotion from mere good behavior.

Love and Devotion: Fire and Flame

St. Francis uses the image of fire to explain the relationship between love and devotion. Love is like a fire that burns in your heart. Devotion is the flame that comes from that fire—it is the extra energy, the brightness, the enthusiasm that love brings into our lives. Just as a fire needs to be fed to grow, our love for God needs to be nurtured so that it grows into devotion.

Devotion makes us want to do more for God than just follow His commandments. It makes us want to go beyond what is expected, to eagerly seek out more ways to show our love for Him.

In summary, true devotion is not about doing more “religious” things—it is about doing everything with love, energy, and joy for God. It is about having hearts that are on fire with love for Him, moving us to do His will with eagerness and care.

So, ask yourself: Am I living a truly devout life, or am I just going through the motions?

True devotion is available to everyone, no matter your education or background. It’s not about doing more, but about doing everything—whether big or small—with love for God. Let your heart catch fire with that love, and you will soar in your journey toward Him.