“I know all that you have done for me—you have worked hard and persevered. I know that you don’t tolerate evil. You have tested those who claimed to be apostles and proved they are not, for they were imposters. I also know how you have bravely endured trials and persecutions because of my name, yet you have not become discouraged. But I have this against you: you have abandoned the passionate love you had for me at the beginning.”

Revelation 2:2-4 TPT

Do we get so lost in our ministry to people that we forget the One whom we minister for?

Unfortunately, I can answer this with a solid sometimes. My intentions are good as I eagerly meet the needs of others. But my intentions to spend quality time with the Lord, are often cut short in my busyness. My mind wanders to the things I need to do. My technology flashes a message from a friend. The buzzer goes off on the dryer. Distractions abound while my Bible sits untouched.

Oh yes! My Bible is usually right there in the middle of it all, but my devotion wanders from dependence on the Power in those pages, to the people and things that depend on me. And after all, I can’t let my people down, now, can I?

But it’s days like this – oh too often – that I find myself spiraling downward into a pile of rubble. My joy, my peace, and my energy become challenged and unsettled. And unfortunately – on days like this – love, too, can be a hard addition to the equation of my actions. And as soon I realize that, I have to rediscover the Words of the One whom I love so much. The One whom I miss. The One whom I yearn for. Yet, the One whom is always the first to be put off.

In 2 Chronicles 34, as the temple was being restored, God’s Word was re-discovered in the midst of the rubble. Josiah, who had given the order to restore the temple, called everyone together so He could read the Lord’s Word out loud. And he read the entire Book! This led the Israelites to repent and respond with a renewed dedication to God.

We too, must daily, renew our dedication to God. We must protect our rhythms of study, prayer, and reflection if we are to protect our love for the Lord. Just as a husband and wife’s love can deteriorate when they don’t make time for each other, so can our love for the Lord dwindle when we don’t make time for Him.

In both of the Scriptures above, Revelations 2:2-4 and 2 Chronicles 34, we are warned of the impending disaster if we don’t return to the Lord. And when we try to power our ministry without the Power of the Lord, we are surely headed for disaster.

We can only share God’s love effectively when we spend time with the One who loves us dearly. Let us desire His love as much as we desire to love others. Because it is only then that we can truly love like we are loved and truly live a life that is worthy of our calling.

12 words

We must desire God’s love more than we desire to love others

 

Dear God,  Thank you for loving us even when we abandon our time with you! You are the champion of love. You are the example of love. And you are the One from where our love flows. Forgive us God for putting you last on our list and help us to fine tune our balance of loving you and loving others so our passion doesn’t fall short for you. God renew us. Revive us. And re-enlighten our purpose for you! In Jesus’ name, Amen.