From Duty to Devotion – How to Level Up Your Relationship with God
By Rev. John Arnold
Based on the message: “Moving from Duty to Devotion”
Scripture: Jeremiah 2:4–13
Most of us know what it feels like to go through the motions in our spiritual lives.
We show up to church, say our prayers, and try to be “good Christians,” but deep down, something feels off. Our faith can slowly become a list of obligations rather than a relationship built on love. The flame of devotion dims, and we’re left wondering:
Am I just doing this because I should—or because I want to?
If that hits home for you, take heart. You’re not alone—and there is a way forward. In this week’s message, we explored what it looks like to move from duty to devotion. The difference is subtle—but life-changing.
“I Want You to Want to Do the Dishes”
In the romantic comedy The Break-Up, there’s a funny but revealing scene where Jennifer Aniston’s character says to her partner:
“I don’t want you to do the dishes. I want you to want to do the dishes.”
He doesn’t get it (of course)—but we do. Because we’ve all been there.
That one line captures the heart of today’s message. God isn’t just looking for people who do “the dishes” of religious life—He’s looking for people who want to be with Him, serve Him, and love Him.
Just like in any relationship, God wants our hearts—not just our habits. To quote Mark Batterson author of Draw the Circle, “God doesn’t the worship. He wants the worshipper.” BTW – Draw the Circle is a fantastic little book if you want to fire up your prayer life.
Jeremiah’s Message: We’ve Settled for Less
In Jeremiah 2, God speaks through the prophet to lament how His people have turned from Him:
“My people have forsaken me, the fountain of living water, and dug out cisterns for themselves, cracked cisterns that can hold no water.”
(Jeremiah 2:13)
That’s a haunting image—God offers living water, and we settle for muddy, broken jars.
We may not bow to idols like ancient Israel, but we do turn to substitutes:
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Bingeing shows to “numb out”
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Scrolling endlessly for validation
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Chasing success instead of seeking God’s presence
They’re not always bad things—but they’re cracked cisterns. They leak. They leave us thirsty. Seriously – How satisfied do your feel after binge watching a half of season of a series in one sitting?
Devotion Begins with Awareness
So how do we return to God—not out of guilt, but with joy?
The first step is simply awareness.
“God lays out blessing after blessing—and just wants us to notice.”
When we slow down and look at what God is doing around us, our hearts begin to shift. Duty transforms into devotion through gratitude. Pause in prayer and ask God, “Reveal to me the many ways you were at work around me today.” Then, pause and reflect on the day. The more you see God at work, the harder it becomes to not feel and move from a deep sense of gratitude.
From “Supposed To” → “Get To” → “Want To”
There’s no shame in starting with duty. Like children learning to obey, we often begin by doing what we’re supposed to do. But the goal isn’t to stay there.
The goal is to grow into relationship—into love. To move from:
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“I have to read my Bible”
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to “I get to spend time with God”
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to “I want to be with Him because He’s so good.”
Just like adult children return home to help their aging parents—not out of obligation, but love—we return to God when we realize all He’s done for us.
Practical Steps: How to Cultivate Devotion
Devotion doesn’t happen overnight, but here are some simple practices that can open your heart to God’s presence in a deeper way.
1. Ask: “Why Am I Doing This?”
Before you pray, serve, or go to church, pause and ask:
Am I here out of habit, guilt, or love?
Then invite God into it: “Lord, I want to want this. Help me. Soften my heart.”
2. Keep a Gratitude Journal
Each day, write down 3 small ways you saw God at work.
Look for:
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An answered prayer
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A moment of peace
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A timely word from a friend
Gratitude creates connection.
3. Trade One Thing
Pick one small thing to swap each day:
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10 minutes of scrolling → 10 minutes in Scripture
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1 podcast → 1 worship song
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Netflix → silence and prayer
You’d be amazed how little changes open big space for God. The effect compounds. Also, each time you make a more life-giving faith-driven choice, it will become easier. Eventually, your natural desire becomes reaching for God rather than a shallow substitute.
4. Read the Gospels Slowly
Pick one Gospel and read just one story per day.
Ask: What does this reveal about Jesus’ heart for me?
This turns reading into relationship-building.
5. Breathe Before Worship
Next Sunday, arrive a few minutes early.
Take a deep breath. Say:
“God, I want to be here. I want to meet with You.”
Create space for your soul to show up—not just your body.
6. Pray for God’s Presence—Not Just a Plan
Instead of asking God just for a sermon, a solution, or a breakthrough, ask for His presence. Mark Batterson wisely advises, “Don’t seek answers. Seek God and the answers will come.”
“Lord, help me be present with You, so I can be present for others.”
When we make God’s presence the priority, everything else flows from there.
Don’t Be Afraid to Start with Duty
One final encouragement: If you’re in a season of “just doing your duty,” that’s okay.
Duty isn’t wrong. It’s often the doorway to deeper devotion.
Just don’t stay there.
Ask God to stir your heart again. To remind you of His goodness. To help you see His blessings, His grace, and His love for you—not as abstract ideas, but as real moments in your life.
Final Word: Devotion Is the Destination
At the end of our days, may we not be people who simply “checked all the boxes.”
May we be people who were moved, sustained, and transformed by love.
“God doesn’t want your checklist. He wants your heart.”
And the good news is—He’s more patient than we can imagine.
He doesn’t walk away when we show up half-heartedly.
He gently invites us back into the house.
Back into His presence.
Back into a life of love.
🙏 Reflection Questions
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What “cracked cisterns” have you been turning to instead of the living water God offers?
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Where have you felt yourself operating out of duty instead of devotion?
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What is one small change you can make this week to draw closer to God?
Thanks for reading. If this message spoke to you, we invite you to share it, leave a comment below, or join us this Sunday as we continue learning how to live fully in God’s love. Join us in person at 10:30 a.m. or via our Youtube livestream.
📖 Scripture Readings:
Jeremiah 2:4–13
Blessings,
Rev. John Arnold,
Pastor, FPC Rogers