Repent and Do The First Works

As I commit this time to You, Lord, let nothing hinder my worship or turn my focus from You and Your truth.


"Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place - unless you repent." (Revelation 2:4-5)


What did God say to do when the glow is gone - when you've lost that burning, consuming love for the Lord you once had? In His message to the church at Ephesus, the Lord gave three "R's": remember, repent, and repeat. These are the same steps we should follow to keep our love for Christ ablaze.


First, remember. Take a few moments to think back over your spiritual journey. As you recall some of the stepping stones throughout your Christian life, are there moments you felt closer to the Lord? Was there ever a time when you loved Jesus more than you do today? If you don't love Him now with a glowing, fiery enthusiasm, you need to remember the blessedness you once knew.


Next, repent. If you don't love Jesus as deeply and freely as you once did, it's because there's sin in your life.  Perhaps you are allowing the world, and what people say, get between you and the Lord.  And you need to get on your face before Him and say, "Lord, I deplore this sin. I turn from it." You can repent of the sin that is keeping you from loving Christ.


Finally, repeat. That is, go back spiritually to that time when you used to be truly on fire for the Lord - "do the first works" again. Just return to that simple, childlike faith you had in Jesus Christ when your relationship was new. Don't let your flame be put out altogether - remember, repent, repeat. And regain that glad, reckless passionate love for your wonderful Savior!


~Adrian Rogers~