What was your New Year’s resolution last year? Did you stick to it? If not, don’t feel bad, only about 20% of people stick to their resolutions. Most fail within the first month.
Was there a time when your passion and love for Jesus was more fervent than it is now? Do you remember when you were more interested in sharing your faith with others? Do you remember when your joy and hope was greater than it is now? The fact is time has a way of taking passion away.
David was a man full of passion for God. He loved God with everything he had.
“God raised up David as king, to whom also He gave testimony and said, ‘I have found the son of Jesse, a man after my own heart, who will do all My will.” (Acts 13:22)
David’s son Solomon was one of the wisest men that have ever lived. He knew God and built the first temple for Him. But Solomon’s real passion was for things. 76 times in Ecclesiastes Solomon tells us,
“Nothing is better for a man than he should eat and drink, and that his soul should enjoy good in his labor.” (Ecclesiastes 2:24)
Solomon had a son name Rehoboam who also became king. But Rehoboam had no passion for God, he wanted nothing to do with God.
“When Rehoboam had established the kingdom and had strengthened himself, he forsook the law of the Lord.” (II Chron. 12:1)
Time has a way of taking away our passion.
One of the greatest churches of the New Testament was in the city of Ephesus. For three years the Apostle Paul was the pastor, followed by his favorite apprentice Timothy, and then the Apostle John. This church accomplished incredible things. Jesus said to them,
“I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary.” (Revelation 2:2–3)
This was an impressive church with an impressive pedigree, doing very impressive things. They would not tolerate compromise. They were combatant against false teachers and teaching. And they were active in ministry—going, helping, doing, serving—working hard for the Lord. Over time they had grown to love doing things for Jesus more than anything, including him.
“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)
Their spiritual heritage was the best. Their doctrine was impeccable. Their commitment was thorough. Their determination was unmatched. The church at Ephesus was very impressive, but they were almost worthless to God.
God wants us to spend time with him more than he wants us to do things for him. He wants us to love being alone with him more than we love working for him. Our love for God is only satisfied with our love for God.
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