Read Revelation 2:1-7
“… But I have this against you: you have abandoned the love you had at first.” Revelation 2:4 (HCSB)
The final line of the refrain from my favorite childhood hymn is, “Oh, how I love Jesus, because He first loved me.” When sung from a true heart, it is a beautiful offering of worship to our Lord. Our love for Jesus should not only be hailed in our worship, it should be the motivating factor for everything we claim to do for Him.
The church at Ephesus outwardly appeared to be a wonderful congregation. Jesus Himself pointed out their hard work, faithful endurance, worthy walk, and doctrinal integrity. The problem was that these works were performed out of duty, rather than out of love for the Savior. Though they did not know it, the Ephesian Christians needed revival. They were running the risk of losing their light for the Lord.
Many believers are wearing themselves out with a manic schedule of church programming while seeing few results. In their harried lifestyle of Christian activities they do not spend time cultivating their love for Jesus. They need a revival of the heart. They need to heed the words of Christ, “Remember then how far you have fallen; repent and do the works you did at first” (Rev. 2:5a).
Is your love for Jesus the motivation for your work for Him?
PRAYER
Tell Jesus how much you love Him. If needed, repent for allowing your love for Him to grow cold.
