The Spirit says of them, "I know what you do. You work hard, and you never quit. I know that you don’t accept evil people. You have tested those people who say that they are apostles but are really not. You found that they are liars. You continue to try without quitting. You endured troubles for my name. And you have not become tired of doing this." (Revelation 2:2-3 ERV) Yet with all these complements, they were still lacking. The Spirit puts it this way. "But I have this against you: You have left the love you had in the beginning." (Revelation 2:4) "You have left the love you had in the beginning." What a strange thing for this great church! Unfortunately it was true. One has to wonder how many churches today might receive this same warning.

First loves are usually special in any setting. An air of excitement belongs to our "firsts." The intensity and fervor of them is seldom matched. However, time is a great moderator. Most will find the luster and excitement of those fresh beginnings grow a little dim with the passage of time. That is why we must always work to maintain our passion for anything that is worth keeping. It is certainly no different with matters pertaining to God, His work, His Church, and His Son.

Do you remember when you first discovered the true meaning of salvation?

Can you remember how your "firsts" in the faith felt?

Remember those times when you were stirred by some great message and you knew you would take whatever steps were necessary to fulfill God's will for you. Is the burning desire you once felt still there?

First loves are usually special!

In Ephesus, the passion was gone. It may likely be gone from most today. Just how serious is this one thing? How concerned should we be? Listen to the words of Jesus: "So remember where you were before you fell. Change your hearts and do the things you did at first. If you don’t change, I will come to you. I will take away your lampstand from its place." (Revelation 2:5)

Does that sound like God doesn't have concern for this matter?

We usually think of repentance when one has committed some gross sin, but is it that serious to simply lose our passion for the Lord and His work?

God was very alarmed that a church with many fine characteristics had lost some measure of that initial fire of love. Perhaps we should be more concerned as well. After all, one of the passages of encouragement in the Christian walk clearly says, "We should think about each other and see how we can help each other to show love and do good things." (Hebrews 10:24) If you have lost your first love for the Kingdom and for the Lord, repent and restore it once more. We all owe it to each other to stir one another to love and good works and to love the Lord with all that we are!

 

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Title: "First Loves"
Author: Bill Sherrill
Publication Date: January 29, 2006

House by Frank Peretti & Ted Dekker Best-selling authors Peretti and Dekker join forces for an adrenaline-laced thriller!

Bill is a long time minister in Nacogdoches, Texas who loves world missions. His passion for ministry has led him all over the world. In addition to his work as a minister, he is also a licensed professional counselor. Bill's family is also involved in ministry and service to the world and community.

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