via TJC
“‘I know your works, your toil, and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil... I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name's sake, and you have not grown weary. But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember, therefore, from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first.” -Revelation 2:2-4
Regardless of how many wonderful things you may be doing for your family, church, community, or nation, if you have forgotten the love you initially had for the Lord and are doing works out of duty or recognition, you have come up short.
This was Jesus’ message to the church at Ephesus. One of His great attributes is His to love first, followed by long-suffering. Both of these traits require choices, time, and endurance. He is slow to anger and quick to forgive. This is the example I see in His message in Revelation 2. He leads with all the things that have been done well. Then, he presents where things have come up short and ends with the encouragement: Remember from where you have fallen; repent and do the works you did at first.It is easier to hear all the good I have done, and I love knowing I’m salvageable. But do I desire to hear the corrective word? Discipleship has taught me to seek out being adjusted. I love King David’s prayer. “Lord, convict me of hidden sin.” This from the young man who slew Goliath and was anointed King of Israel. Despite all the good things accomplished, he was aware of the potential for missing the mark.
If the Lord did not care for His children, He would let us go our merry way…straight into the pit. But His love compels Him to adjust us. This explains the Proverb, ‘Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent in disciplining him.’
Daily Battle Order:
Be aware that your successes require tempering. Don’t put too much stock in your own headlines! Speak to and remind yourself, “There, but by the grace of God, I go.” Check with the Holy Spirit regularly about the condition of your life. Be proactive, and do not wait for the Lord to come searching for you. Instead, go directly to Him.
Also, plan on joining TJC on the Battlefield, this 27APR at Chickamauga or this 11MAY at Gettysburg. This year spouses are encouraged to join us on the Battlefields. Registration & more at https://www.joshuacommission.org/ .