This week’s topic in theDEVOzine (UM version of Upper Room for youth) is “What is a Christian?” So for the week all of the writings will focus on this topic. To begin, please think for a moment how you would answer that question for yourself: What does it mean to be a Christian? [please share if you are so inclined]

To me it can mean so much but does it have to be the same for everyone? I think there are certain ‘non-negotiables’ so to speak. All Christians share a belief that Christ is the Savior and that through repentence we can find forgiveness of our sins. Maybe certain things are essential – a relationship with Jesus developed in prayer, study, and worship.

Today’s writing in the DEVO is titled “Belonging to the Lord” and uses Isaiah 44:5a as the verse: “Some will say, ‘I belong to the Lord'”. The jist is that in some cultures you are defined not by what you are or do but by whom you belong to. So, it that how we define ourselves? Do you answer the question of who you are with ‘I belong to the Lord’ or with something else?

Today’s writing concludes with a ‘Reflect’ section about Bishop Desmond Tutu. It reflects his belief that all human beings belong together in a ‘bundle of life’. We are inextricably bound together. The question to ponder in the writing and for you and I today is this: What would it mean to be inextricably bound up in the life of Jesus Christ?