Walking in the Light, August 17, 2008

Restoring the Passion

                Are we a people marked by passion? Unfortunately, most of us find it far too easy to lose our passion. Oftentimes, it doesn’t take a whole lot to douse our fire or smother our flame. We stop trying at work because the boss is constantly on our case; hawking over us; always pointing out what we’re doing wrong. We lose our zeal in marriage and take our spouse for granted. Keeping the fire burning in a marriage takes diligence and effort and, quite frankly, many couples would rather not go to the trouble. Many of us, perhaps, are in the same predicament spiritually. We have become complacent, satisfied and maybe even unconcerned. We’ve stopped trying because of the difficulties or trials we’ve had to endure. Or, it could be that we have simply taken God for granted; giving minimal effort and attention to the One who should matter most in our lives.

                In the book of Revelation, John writes these words to the church in Ephesus: “I know your deeds and your toil and your perseverance, and that you cannot tolerate evil men, and you put to the test those who call themselves apostles, and they are not, and you found them to be false; and you have perseverance and have endured for my name’s sake, and have not grown weary (Rev. 2:2-3).” At this point, I am sure the Ephesian Christians were feeling pretty good about themselves. What an encouragement! What nice things to hear about your congregation! However, their commendation quickly turns to condemnation as the letter continues. Verse 4 goes on to state, “But I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Therefore remember from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at first; or else I am coming to you and will remove your lampstand out of its place—unless you repent (Rev. 2:4-5).”

                It’s obvious that the diminished love and passion of the Ephesian Christians was of great concern to the Lord. Spiritually, they looked healthy. Theirs was a church that was working for the Lord. They were doctrinally sound, but they had one major flaw—a diseased heart. And a serious heart condition, if left untreated, will ultimately lead to death. Therefore, our Lord not only gives a prognosis He offers a remedy as well. He tells them to remember; remember from where you have fallen. Reflect back to the cross and its life-changing message. Recall all that God has done for you. He also says to repent. Repentance is indicative of change. It is a resolution that results from reflection. Once we have reflected on what we have done and how we have failed to measure up, it should cause us to resolve within our hearts to set things right. Our Lord also tells the church in Ephesus to restore what has been lost. More specifically He states, “Do the deeds you did at first.” The Ephesian Christians were still doing deeds, but they were not doing them with the same zeal that marked them in the beginning. They needed to get back to serving God with a passionate heart.

                If you are at the point where your faith has grown stale, your conviction has plateaued or your fire just doesn’t burn as brightly as it once did then something has to change. It is time for an inward revival. It is time to resuscitate that tired heart. It is time to restore the passion. Remember the conviction you had when you first became a child of God. Repent, if need be, for losing your first love. And restore what has been lost by doing the deeds you did at first.

Chris McCurley