Have you lost your “first love?”

Revelation 2:4-5 ^“Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.” The Lord Jesus spoke this to the church in Ephesus. It is quite profound. This was a church that was known for their works, their labor and their patience. They rooted out the false leaders in their midst. they had persevered and had not become weary (Rev. 2:2-3). It seemed that they had it all together. However, Jesus emphasized the importance of their relationship with Him. He let them know that they had lost their “first love,” and even though they did all of the outer works, relationship was the most important thing!  Jesus counsels us to seek the Kingdom of God FIRST. (Matthew 6:33). Jesus said: “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ (Matthew 22:37). He warned that there would be those who believed that by their works they would enter Heaven, yet He will say to them: “And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness” (Matthew 7:23). God is not “impressed” at the things you do, and you will not enter Heaven just because you did “Christian things.” However, those that love God with all of their hearts and have a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, are known and recognized in Heaven. While Christian works are important and needed, always remember the most important thing: never lose your “first love.”