Revelations 2:1–Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.

My son just turned 12 yesterday, and we were recalling some of the things he remembered in playing sports together in the house and backyard.  My memories were of course different than his.  He remembers me injuring him, while I remember him improving…

What we remember about certain things in life shapes many things going forward.  Whether that is our personality, how we view certain people, or types of relationships.  What we remember can plague or invigorate us, inspire or deflate us.  Making memories with family, events, and vacations are all great.  But those things cannot define how we felt about the people we were with during those times.  We will remember where our heart was, more than those events…

This is what the Lord emphasizes to a church whose heart has fallen away from Him, though they are doing what a church would be expected to do “in function”.  “Functioning” to do what is right, is far different than having an overflow of love to do what is right!  Jesus warns this church that He will not settle for “functioning”, but wants a zealous heart that overflows with a desire to work and please Him!

When we are the ones plagued by bad memories, and “seemingly endless” frustrations that get to our heart, it is hard to recognize that we have fallen out of love.  It’s not like falling off a ladder, where you will never forget that moment!  It’s more like gradual steps down from the ladder, and finally onto the ground, not realizing we have lost our passion…

We all know how to “function”, yet none of us desire passion-less relationships.  But as much as we desire passion from others, the One who really deserves “firstfruits” of our undying passion is Jesus.  Fight to remember how good He has been, that your heart be reignited to work for His glory!

In His Love, Ld