A church with good doctrine and deeds, but with heart trouble
Even though we can have wonderful experiences with God, it is possible for our love to grow cold. This happened to the church in Ephesus. What is the key to a flourishing "first love" relationship with God?
From Ephesians 3:14-21, we realize that the love of God is meant to be experienced with our heart, soul, mind and strength. The Ephesian church experienced this rich love of God. Yet, they ended up forsaking their first love. How does this happen?
Love grows cold gradually. It is not in one event that we forsake our first love. When other objects of affection grab our attention... when we allow other loves to vie for first place... that's when our love begins to cool off. It is patterns of living that stoke the first love fires or put it out. As love grows cold, numbness begins to set in. Our life with God is manageable, nice, even orderly, but, the first love fire is only flickering.
How can you keep the Lord as your first love? "Repent and do the things you did at first." First, recognize the Spirit's conviction if you have abandoned your first love. Speak out your repentance and turn from fractured living (giving your love away in many places). Now, think about how you acted toward God when you first realized your love for him. Perhaps you have never been "in love" with God. But, you would understand that people in love can't get enough of each other. They are not stingy with time or resources. Nothing is a chore for them when it comes to other person.
We need to establish new patterns. We create habits of distraction with our phones, entertainment and endless work. It is in all of these "small moments" of life that love is kindled or snuffed out. Get rid of patterns of distraction. Perhaps uninstall certain apps on the phone. Make a commitment not to check your emails, work schedule or news sites until you have spent time loving your Lord.
Prioritize showing love to the Lord in active worship, earnestly listening to his voice, and studying his words in the Bible. This time spent will fan into flame your love.
| "To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands: 2 I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. 3 You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. 4 Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. 5 Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. 6 But you have this in your favor: You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God. (Revelation2:1-7) |
Rev. Lihai's Bercovich, married almost 9 years to TammyJo. 2 kids: Ben(8) Michelle (almost 16) Minister at St Columba's Presbyterian church Komani/ Queenstown for almost 6 years
