As we head into summer, we’ll be using the next couple of months to reflect on and deepen our walk with the risen Christ, looking at how His resurrection should shape our daily lives. Here is the third devotion to reflect:

IN WORD It was a commendation most churches would be proud of. Jesus affirmed the Ephesian church for its good deeds, hard work, and perseverance. He complimented their sense of discernment and ability to deal with false teachers. They knew the truth, and they lived it. What more is a church supposed to do? But the church lacked one thing, one characteristic that would, if they couldn’t regain it, result in His removing them from the scene.
These believers knew the right things and did the right things, but their fellowship was still in danger of being snuffed out by the Lord Himself. Why? Because they lacked the zeal that is supposed to characterize Christians. The devotion they had for Him at first had weakened. They were deficient in the one attribute that Jesus said His disciples would be known for (John 13:35). They lacked love. We don’t know exactly what “first love” is supposed to mean—love for God or for each other or both?—but it’s clear that this missing ingredient can begin with zeal and then grow stale.
And the fact that this church was still doing the right things makes it clear that this love isn’t simply an outward behavior. No, there seems to have been an emotional aspect of their attitude that had grown cold. Christ is focused not on the actions that result from love but on the heart behind it.
IN DEED Jesus’ warning that He would remove this church’s lampstand if its people didn’t repent seems harsh, but it is a startling statement on how much God cares about our motives for serving Him. It isn’t enough to have sharp, Spirit-honed discernment and to put feet to our faith in good works and acts of service. It isn’t even enough to persevere in spite of opposition. We can do everything right, but if we lack love for Him and for others, we are not in His will. If you’ve lost your first love, do whatever it takes to get it back. Drop everything, seek His heart, and ask Him to help you find yours. “My spirit has become dry because it forgets to feed on you.” —John of the Cross (in “God With Us” by Chris Tiegreen)

One of the greatest challenges of following Christ is to maintain our first love. Every relationship cools with time, but it is generally re-invigorated every time we meet with the one we love and spend quality time together.
So how are you re-invigorating your relationship with Jesus? Are you a “CEO [Christmas and Easter Only] Christian”? Do you only meet up with Jesus on Sundays? Or do you make efforts to spend time with Him on a daily basis and enjoy His Presence throughout the day? Are you a lover that dictates everything or a lover who seeks to please the one you love?
Take time this week to evaluate your weekly time with Jesus and ask the Holy Spirit to help you improve how you sustain and deepen your love for Him. Reflect on Psalm 1 and ponder on what characteristics your walk with Jesus exemplifies. Have a blessed week! - from Magnolia, Pastor Sam