One area that most of us have to deal with is being overly busy. Our schedules become jam-packed with activities: job, children’s activities (soccer, baseball, clubs, school, doctor visits, parties etc.), our own appointments not to mention civic clubs and church. Even retirees find that their schedules can become overloaded with many obligations to the point of exhaustion. While many of these activities are good, we must remember to protect our “first love” along the path which God has laid out for us.
In Revelations 2:1-7, Jesus speaks to the Ephesian Church. They have worked hard (vs. 2a): “I know your deeds and your toil and perseverance....” This church was on the right track but in verse 4 the Lord says: “But I have this against you, that you have left your first love.” The zeal with which these believers had pursued the Lord had somehow waned. This is nothing new in the lives of individuals or the life of the church. It is easy to become so involved in the things of this world that our “first love” for Christ is dimmed by all the activity of daily living. So how does this happen?
First, we often forget to take the necessary time to read our Bible and pray. Having a daily quiet time is the key to setting priorities for the day, asking God’s guidance, meditating on His Word and finding strength as we journey on through life. When this is neglected, it can show up in our relationship not only towards God but also in our relationships with our fellow man. My mother used to say: “The day is less likely to unravel if it is hemmed in prayer.” She was right! On those days when I neglect my quiet time, it seems that I am less prepared to face the inevitable problems that arise. Taking time to put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18) before hitting the front door has proven to have far better results.
Secondly, we can become so caught up with the cares in this world that we lose our balance. Being involved in organizations, doing fund raising or working on a job promotion can become so time consuming that we neglect fellowship with other believers. We need to come together to worship God. There is something so rich and meaningful in sitting together as we hear the Word of God proclaimed and join in singing praise to our Lord. Certainly, we can watch T.V. services or even watch our own service online, but we lose out on shaking hands, smiles, and hugs. We miss being able to share prayer requests in person and encouraging one another. Lets face it, we live in difficult times, and being united in the Body of Christ is our best source of renewal for the weary soul.
In his book “The Christian Warfare”, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones says: “Worldliness is the state in which our thinking is governed by the mind and the outlook of the world” (pg.363). As believers, we must daily put on the mind of Christ for we are citizens of heaven. Our walk here on earth is temporary, and this is something that can be easy to forget. Just look again at the Ephesian Church. They worked hard, they persevered through hard times and they opposed false teachers. Yet, they lost their first love of Christ. This can happen ever so slowly that we do not notice. When we depend more on our good deeds and works and less on Christ, we, too, are beginning to lose our first love.
Each day, we must remind ourselves that Jesus came not only to save us from the bondage of sin but also from this evil world as well. Galatians 1:4 tells us: “...who gave Himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.” Our world in thought and outlook is under the dominion of the devil; therefore, we need to be certain that we strive to have the mind of Christ each day. This comes with fellowship, prayer and Bible study. To neglect these key principles is to invite the world to consume our time, our mind and diminish our first love of Christ. Let us remember that we “have been translated from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of God’s dear Son” (Colossians 1:13). We are merely pilgrims passing through this life. May we live as light and salt in a world badly in need of our Savior. Hold fast to our “first love” so we may bring glory to God. Selah!
No comments:
Post a Comment