LOVE-OF-GOD PRIORITY
Revelation 2:1-7
Vv. 4-5: “Yet I have this against you: You have forgotten your first love. Remember the heights from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first; If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.”
The week before the beginning of school, sixth-grader, Wanda, met her friend, Cassie, (who’s entering fifth grade), at the swimming pool. Spreading her blanket on the ground, Wanda complained, “Do you believe that summer’s almost over?”
“Yeah, summer’s disappearing right before our eyes!” Cassie agreed. “So, what are your plans for this last week of vacation?”
“I’m babysitting Tyler Robinson on Friday night. He’s the cutest baby!”
“You just like flirting with his big brother, who’s even cuter.” Cassie insisted.
“Right. The job is a two-for-one.”
“Huh?”
“Well, I arrive for babysitting Tyler in my new outfit, and maybe David will open the door. How could he resist smiling, eager-to-please me?”
“That’s not how it works, Wanda!”
Cassie’s correct. The opening Scripture is clear. Everything we do ought to come from love for the Lord, instead of selfish gain. Jesus’ removing the lampstand from the church at Ephesus, is about immediate judgment! Wouldn’t you agree that’s stern warning?
While the Ephesus church began marvelously (love for God enabled the people to endure persecution, spread the gospel, and challenge false prophets), their priority changed. Good works, originally performed out of love for each other and for God, was replaced with self-seeking reward.
Admirable deeds may be praiseworthy—but truthfully, they count for nothing—unless achieved from a heart glowing with love for God. He is more interested in you, and the personal relationship you’re building together, than a lifetime of good works! God delights in His kids’ service only as a result of loving devotion to Him.
God wants everybody with selfish intentions to return to their first love—HIM! No amount of service substitutes for an intimate relationship with God. He’s our delight. The best good deeds are done to honor the Lord, and not to get credit.
Wanda was confused. “What do you mean?”
“Wanda, we babysit in order to earn money. You want David’s attention. But he’s 16! Why don’t you babysit Tyler, and earn your pay with nothing attached? I don’t want you to be disappointed after doing a good job, and then David doesn’t even notice you!”
Take Home Nugget
As the last of the original disciples, the apostle John wrote Revelation, the last book in the Bible. Of course he knew that his fellow apostle, Paul, had founded this church at Ephesus. How must Jesus’ words affected him?
Good deeds are only good when done out of love for God.
J.D. Griffith
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