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After commending the church at Ephesus for their hard work, patient endurance, intolerance of evil people, examining the claims of false apostles, and how they patiently suffered, Jesus says to them, “Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first.” Revelation 2:4 (NIV)
Evidently, at one time the Ephesians’ love for Christ had consumed their lives, their works, and their actions. However, Jesus says they have lost that love they once had. Although they had remained obedient and accomplished some great things, their motivation was no longer their intimate relationship with Christ.
We all know churches and Christians like that. They are busy, active, zealous, and enthusiastic, yet something is missing. A closer look reveals that love for Christ has been replaced by business, activity, zeal, and enthusiasm.
It’s easy, though, to point at other believers and other churches. Could it be this passage is pointing at us? It is certainly worth our consideration.
Sometimes it is difficult to detect there is a problem. As with the Ephesians, we don’t set out to intentionally forsake the love we had at first. It happens quietly and by gradual, sometimes imperceptible steps.
Before we know it, the love we had at first has been replaced, and we don’t even know it. In its place we find activity and “church work,” neither of which will feed and nourish your soul.
Sometimes, just like the Ephesians, we need the cold water of truth thrown in our faces to wake us up to what we have become. Can we identify with the Ephesians? Are we simply performing acts of Christian service out of routine rather than being motivated by an intimate relationship with Christ? Do we focus on serving the Lord, rather than focusing on the Lord, himself?
According to Warren Wiersbe, “Labor is no substitute for love; neither is purity a substitute for passion.”.” The church must have both of them if it is to be pleasing to Christ and faithful to its call.
Your Pastor,
David Hulme
Senior Pastor