The Right Attitude

“And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout,” Luke 2:25

Devout – What do you think about Simeon?  The Bible calls him “righteous and devout”.  Does this describe you?  What pictures come to mind?  Take the word “devout”.  Do you see images of long hours in prayer on bent knees?  Do you see a man who pours over God’s word, committing himself to deep study?  Do you see someone who worships with joy and thanksgiving?

A little insight into the Greek might help us with these pictures.  “Devout” is the translation of eulabes and eulabes comes from eu (good) and lambano (to take).  The word means taking the good and proper attitude toward what is received.  It is a word about reverence and respect.  When the Bible calls someone “devout”, it means that this person displays the correct attitude toward the things that God has given.

God gives a lot.  Consequently, the scope of eulabes is very wide indeed.  God gives you your body.  Do you show the proper respect toward this gift?  God gives you your family.  Are you careful to exhibit the right attitude about them?  God gives you your work.  Do you perform your tasks with Him in mind?  God gives you your community.  Do you exhibit His character in your interactions?  God gives you your mind.  Are you developing your thoughts in line with His love?

Devout covers a lot more ground than our usual “religious” viewpoint.  Wherever God’s hand touches your life, you are called to the right attitude.  You are called to take what God gives with the respect and reverence it deserves.  After all, the gift is supposed to reflect the giver.  The transformed life is the devout life.  Not one single thing escapes the right attitude.