This blog was inspired by Dr Tony Walter-Girout and a word he had concerning a message I ministered on a few weeks back now.
In the Book of Revelation, the message to the Church of Ephesus is both a commendation and a gentle rebuke. The words in Revelation 2:4 resonate as a powerful reminder: “But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first.”
This is designed to get you to think and take spiritual stock. There is no condemnation, yet this is meant to challenge you. Let’s delve into the significance of this verse, exploring what it means to remain steadfast and firm in our walk with God, especially in our commitment to His house.
Losing Your First Love
It’s a warning that speaks to the heart. Actually, it should awaken us to the core. Imagine diligently reading your Bible daily, attending church services regularly, and yet finding that something vital is missing – the connection, passion, and love you once had for God and His people. Intimacy and zeal have dwindled.
Here are a few self-examination questions to ponder on and ask yourself, guided by the truth of the Word:
1. The Corporate Anointing
“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” – Hebrews 10:25 NKJV
Are you in a place where you used to come and worship zealously, basking in the corporate anointing? But now, maybe attending once a month seems challenging, every second week at best. Has life got you weighed down and busy or distracted? Have you lost your first love or the revelation for the corporate anointing?
2. Love for Others
“Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” – 1 John 4:7-8
Maybe You used to love the people within your church community, as well as being actively involved in the local church, but that warmth has faded. I don’t know anyone or can’t make friends you say to yourself – show yourself friendly and you will have friends. Do you still care for the community of believers, or have you lost your first love, grace and patience?
3. Feeling Disconnected
“I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” – John 15:5NKJV
Maybe you no longer feel connected, and excuses to abandon your spiritual journey or duties abound. Is there a disconnect, a loss of first love is prompting you to consider giving up? Is serving Jesus and seeking Him becoming too hard because you too busy or has your faith been shaken to the core and tested. What’s left? Overflow or reserve? Is disconnection eating at your first love?
4. Accepting Correction
“Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, But he who hates correction is stupid.” – Proverbs 12:1
I never called anyone stupid, the Bible does if you shy away from accepting correction and guidance from your spiritual leaders. God has a design and purpose when it comes to submission and spiritual accountability. Is there a resistance that suggests you might have lost your first love?
5. Investment in God’s House
“Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house,
And try Me now in this,” Says the LORD of hosts,
“If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing
That there will not be room enough to receive it. – Malachi 3:10
Has your financial and time investments in the house of God have dwindled. Is there a shutdown of your contribution to God’s house, in both time, prayer and finances? That is a sign that you’ve lost your first love?
The Call to Be Faithful and Committed
In some Christian circles, there’s a term for inconsistent believers – “knitting Christians.” They knit one, skip one, knit one, skip one. Steadfast commitment and dedication, however, are not to man but to God and His worship.
Commitment requires brutal honesty with oneself. It demands an assessment of what a faithful, committed follower looks like. Jesus exemplified a commitment to His Father’s house, regularly investing in people. This is not works but a response to the blessing of God on our lives and the price Christ paid for us.
The Warning Signs
“And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another.” – Matthew 24:10
As the Bible warns, in the last days, many will fall away due to evil and distractions. The reason? Revelation 2:4 – abandoning the love they had at first. Taking offences, hardening hearts and remaining in bitter root judgements – pride! Learn to forgive. If Satan can offend you He will take your destiny!
Rediscovering Your First Love
The invitation is to reflect, to look in the mirror, and ask, “Where do I stand with you, Lord?” The world’s cares are undeniably powerful, but the glory of God is immeasurable and eternal. Am I selling out? Is my Flesh dictating to my Spirit or is my Spirit leading my Flesh?
The Faithful Bride
Scripture Reference: Matthew 25:1-13
Remember the parable of the ten virgins. The parable of the ten virgins illustrates the importance of readiness and preparedness for the return of Christ. Ten virgins, representing individuals awaiting the bridegroom (symbolic of Christ), took their lamps to meet him. Five were wise, bringing extra oil for their lamps, while five were foolish, carrying only their lamps. As the bridegroom delayed, all the virgins slept. When he finally arrived, the wise virgins, with an adequate oil supply, were ready to join the celebration, while the foolish ones, lacking oil, had to leave to buy more. The parable emphasizes the necessity of spiritual preparedness, urging believers to stay vigilant, keep their lamps (faith) burning brightly, and be ready for Christ’s return, as the exact timing remains unknown.
The faithful, committed ones with the oil of anointing in the Father’s house because of relationship and intimacy make it to the wedding feast. It’s not the ones who run on empty and luke warm that made it.
Final Reflection
As we navigate the complexities of life, let’s heed the call to remain steadfast, to rediscover and nurture our first love. Whats important to God should be important to us. God’s coming for a faithful, committed bride – one who has not abandoned the love she had at first. This is not opinion; it’s truth. Look in the mirror of the Word and ask: Where do I stand with the Lord? The world’s cares are powerful, but the glory of God is immeasurable. Do I believe this? Is the actions and fruits in my life reflecting this truth?
I pray supernatural strength and wisdom for you in the days and seasons ahead. You are loved and valued.
Blessings,
Pastor Shaun Smit