Outwardly you seem just fine, but inwardly something has gradually changed. You’ve allowed yourself to settle for routine. What’s changed?
How did you ever leave your First Love?
Daily devotions are worked into your schedule so you don’t feel spiritually guilty, but the joy of the Lord is absent. You try to compensate for this spiritual dullness by doing more and more good works, only to experience more and more frustration. You really do not like who you are becoming. You complain and are critical of others. You lack grace and unconditional love. Self-centeredness is setting in, and the glowing illumination that once gave glory to God is just barely flickering.
Is it time to remember your First Love?
Don’t you remember that Jesus Christ joyfully gave His life for you? He willingly endured contempt, mocking, scourging, beating, spitting, slapping, and a twisted crown of thorns on His head. He was nailed to the cross and a spear was thrown into His side. Don’t you remember that He was abandon by his friends and separated from His Father? Don’t you remember His words from the cross, “It is finished!”?
Do all you can to return to the wonder and amazement that filled your heart when you received the forgiveness of Jesus Christ for all your sins. Return to the overwhelming love of God that poured into your life when you experienced His acceptance.
The joy that came into your life when you were told that God has adopted you into His family is still available. You have been given an eternal inheritance with Him. Do you remember the tears that fell from your face when you sang with sincere gratitude: “Amazing love, how can it be, that Thou My God should die for me?”
Is it time to repent to your First Love?
Jesus said there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.
Repentance is a turning away from sin, disobedience, or rebellion, and a turning back to God. True repentance is a “godly sorrow” for sin. This act of obedience will bring a fresh power from God to replace your prideful, self-centered lifestyle with a new Christ-centered love and motivation for prayer, Bible study, fellowship, and service.
Is it time to return to your First Love?
Mt. Whitney is the highest spot in the continental United States at 14,505 feet. Just 80 miles southwest of this peak is Death Valley at 280 feet below sea level, the lowest spot in the United States.
Spiritually speaking, how far have you fallen from your fellowship with the Lord?
Can you see the place you once occupied with Him? Does it break your heart? Are you ready to return again and love the Lord your God with all of your heart, soul, mind and strength? Are you willing to leave all competing loves, deny yourself, and joyfully do His will?
Now is the time to remember, repent, and return again to your First Love!
