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Have you ever put something away for so long that you actually forgot that you had it? In fact, did you ever forget about it so long that you went out and bought another one?
Once, the legendary William Randolph Hearst decided he wanted a rare painting for his massive art collection. Upon hearing the painting was in Europe, he sent his art buyer to purchase it. After a diligent search, Hearst’s buyer sent word that he had indeed found the painting… in a warehouse owned by Hearst. Hearst wanted to buy a painting he already owned!
It struck me recently how often we do the same thing with our love for Christ. In Revelation 2:4 Jesus said to the Church at Ephesus, “…I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.” The preceding verses are filled with outstanding qualities about the Church at Ephesus:
- They were diligent in their work of the ministry.
- They didn’t quit while going through serious trials.
- They lived holy lives.
- They committed themselves to the Word of God and made sure their leaders were as well.
The Ephesians were awesome Christians–matter of fact, they were some of the best in the New Testament. But there was a problem, and it was so daunting that if something wasn’t done God would no longer consider them a church. When God Himself takes the title ‘church’ away from a church, there is definitely a big problem.
But what was the problem? The Bible says they “left” their first love. They simply quit loving Christ.
This thought really impressed me this week. I can really be engaged in the “Work of the Ministry” and I can do it all without loving Christ.
Think back to those early days of your Christian journey, when you first accepted Him as your Lord and Savior. When I first became a Christian, I just wanted to tell everyone about Jesus. I didn’t know near as much as I know now–I was ten years old–but I wanted to tell everyone about Him. I would take Gospel tracts and hand them out everywhere I went. I would talk to friends in the neighborhood, people at the airport, the grocery store, the park. I just wanted to share the love of Christ with others. No one told me to do it–I just wanted the world to know about Christ.
But the more I learned, the less I loved. The more I was taught the less I shared Christ (NOTE: I’m not against learning and study. I believe it is warranted and beneficial. We are to “study” to show ourselves approved unto God. I’m simply commenting on my own personal drift away from nurturing the love of Christ in my heart). Before I knew all the techniques people use to lead people to Christ, I simply told people how great He was for dying for my sin and giving me heaven as my eternal home. I learned how to preach, counsel, lead, plan a service…but over time, I lost my focus. I couldn’t see the forest for the trees. I took my eyes off the love of Christ and focused on the work.
There is a call today: rekindle your “Love” for Christ! Take some time and meditate on what He’s done for you. Grab your Bible and a cup of coffee, go to the beach, and read Matthew 26, Mark 14, Luke 22, and John 19–the accounts of Christ’s death on the Cross. Remember He did all this because of love–love for you and me. Paul said to the Roman Christians in Romans 5:8, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
But wait–should I dial it back a notch? Should I stop doing ‘the work’ until I’m sure I have the love of Christ in my heart again? No. Instead, make the choice to do what you do because you love Him. Let our motivation be that of “Loving God!” Tell people about the One you love! Serve the One you love! Love the One you serve! 1 John 4:18-19 says, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. We love him, because he first loved us.” You had it… You can have it again!
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Sincerely,
Pastor Chris Chadwick
