Your First Love

Revelations 2:2-5 (KJV) I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy FIRST LOVE. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.

I've watched many ministries crumble over the years. Pastors who once stood strong, in a place of great influence, become stagnant in their spiritual walk and eventually burned out and began to despise the ministry they once loved. It became a prison to them and even amid fame and popularity, they found emptiness and disillusionment. So, what happened? Did God lead them down a dead-end path of pain and despair?

Sadly, many begin in ministry out of a passionate love for Jesus. The fire burns so strong it can't be contained! They teach, preach, prophesy, and see the sick healed. Ministry opportunities become more frequent, and they begin to spend less and less time seeking their first love. The attacks and temptations of the enemy, that they once had the strength to fight and overcome, now take the upper hand and they begin to yield to what they thought they'd never do. It doesn't start out intentionally. It's a slippery slope of being too busy doing the work of ministry and slowly forgetting the one we are working so hard to draw others to.

None of us are immune to backsliding. As with any relationship, we must be diligent in our pursuit of our Bride Groom. Skipping intimate time seeking Him, praying, worshiping, and studying His Word is not an option, if we desire to keep moving forward.

Ministry is only effective if it flows out of our time in His presence, and in His Word. We, in and of ourselves have nothing to offer lest our sacrifice is ignited by His Spirit! Don't forget your first love. Keep Him at the center of your life and the top of your priority list. Life is meaningless and ministry is nothing but dead and dry religion once the fire burns out. Keep it kindled as you stay mindful of diligently seeking Jesus on a daily basis. Everything else is an extension of that relationship!

Mark 12:30 (KJV) And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.

Matthew 6:33 (KJV) But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.