Devoted.
This one word is the underlying theme of every effort the Rochester College Campus Ministry puts forth to minister effectively to our community. But what does it mean?
Devoted. In one of the several edition of Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary, there is an entry that reads…”to set apart for a special and often higher end.” It continues with this: “Devotion is likely to imply compelling motives and often attachment to an objective.” This is quite a compelling definition of the word.Â
Well, devoted is an adjective from the root word devote. Adjectives modify nouns. For example, A man devoted to God prays four times a day. This sentence illustrates the definition quite well. The man has set himself apart for a special or higher end, in this context, God. This sentence also includes what he does as an act of his devotion to God-his commitment to praying four times a day. However, this sentence leaves us with a question. What compelled him to such devotion? What was his inspiration? What was his motive? What is his goal?
We can intelligently posit a number of plausible reasons. He has devoted himself to God and he wants to build a deeper, more meaningful relationship with him. Or possibly, he is a devoted man that needs to fill some empty time in his day, so he decides to pray. Either way, he has committed himself to God and is demonstrating it with an act that is compelled by his commitment to God.Â
And here stands the Rochester College Campus Ministry. We are committed to serving God. And because of our commitment to him, we have devoted ourselves to serving our community. And this year, we want to help you become devoted to God.Â
Do you have a relationship with him? Is Jesus known of you? Would you like to grow in that relationship? Well, let us help you. From insightful Assembly programs to The Offering, we are committed to helping you grow in Christ and in fellowship with other believers. Do you need someone to talk to? Our staff has posted office hours in the Associates Campus Center, right outside of Student Development. The interns live right here on campus. We are here to serve.               Â
What should compel you to become more devoted? Here’s some food for thought from Ambrose of Milan. This is an excerpt from a prayer he wrote about his commitment to the the call to the priesthood.
“Jesus, I wish you would let me wash your feet, since it was by walking about in me that you soiled them. I wish you would give me the task of wiping the stains from your feet, since it was my behavior that put them there. But where can I get the running water I need to wash your feet? If I have no water, at least I have tears. Let me wash your feet with my tears, and wash myself at the same time.”
Eirhnh soi. Peace to you.
Anthony Estes
Campus Ministry Intern
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