In the Book of Revelation, Jesus dictates letters to seven young churches in modern-day Turkey. Jesus says that the church in Ephesus has done many things well, but “you have lost your first love” Revelation 2:4. What can you do if you have lost your first love? What is the solution?
The loss of first love feels like an emotional problem.
In romance, it often means the end of the relationship. When exciting feelings fade—or when the initial pursuit is over—people become discouraged. Because they are new to romance, young people particularly can feel lost and have no idea why feelings have changed or what to do about it.
It’s the same in other areas: the love for your new job wears off, so you want to jump ship. Your new workout plan is not producing results, so you want out. You feel unappreciated in your volunteer efforts and wonder whether you should look for something else. Quitting is not the answer. But neither is trying to change your feelings.
When Hezekiah became king of Judah, he inherited a nation of idol worshippers. His own father had locked the doors of Solomon’s Temple 16 years before. There were few signs of any “first love” left. The spiritual life of Judah had not merely grown cold—that candle had been blown out.
But King Hezekiah got to work. He brought in the priests and Levites and had them consecrate themselves. Then he made the men clean and refurbish the temple. Next, the nation gathered to rededicate the temple. Then the nation celebrated the Passover for the first time since the reign of King Solomon, some 200 years before, 2 Chronicles 30:26. Finally, King Hezekiah commanded the people to step up:
“He commanded the people that dwelt in Jerusalem to give the portion of the priests and the Levites, that they might be encouraged in the law of the Lord. And … the children of Israel brought in abundance the firstfruits of corn, wine, and oil, and honey, and of all the increase of the field and the tithe of all things brought they abundantly. And concerning the [citizens of other cities], they also brought in the tithe of oxen and sheep, and the tithe of holy things which were consecrated unto the Lord their God, and laid them in heaps … And when Hezekiah and the princes came and saw the heaps, they blessed the Lord, and his people Israel” 2 Chronicles 31:4-8.
What do you do when you lose your first love? You put your head down and get to work. That is, you remember your purpose and focus on the tasks that matter most. If you do that, the feelings will take care of themselves.
“You have left your first love. Therefore, remember from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at first” Revelation 2:4-5.
If you have lost your first love, go back to the basics! Do the deeds you did at first, and soon the feelings you felt at first will probably return. On top of that, always practice gratitude. Recognize what you have been given and thank God for it!
AΩ
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