Rev 2:4-5 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. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.
God demands a love from us that is exclusive.
While in college a friend of mine went to a movie theater by himself to blow off some steam. As the movie rolled, a drama played out in the row of seats in front of him by three teenagers that was even more intriguing than the one on the screen. The seats were occupied by three teenagers. A guy sat beside a girl to his right and another girl to her right. The guy was holding hands with the girl to his right but with his left hand stretched across his body. Half way through the movie he extended his right arm behind her seat. Then the second girl reached her left arm behind the first girl’s seat until eventually she was holding his hand too. This creeping guy was holding hands with two girls at the same time while the first had no idea what was going on behind her back.
As much as you would want to wring this guy’s neck for cheating on his girlfriend you might want to ask yourself if you have ever done the same thing in your love relationship with Jesus. Upfront where everyone can see you go to church, wear your Christian t-shirts, and use the approved language all for Jesus. But behind his back” (you think) you give your affection to competing loves. Your heart is embracing things or activities that are contrary to his will. You are as guilty as the guy holding hands with two girls at the same time.
The only remedy for leaving your first love with Jesus is to remember how sweet your love for Jesus was in the early days of your relationship with Him. It requires repenting of giving your heart to competing love and returning to the works we did out of the overflow of our love for him.
Stop holding hands with the world and give Jesus your exclusive love.
· Make a list of things you are giving your affection to that is competing with your love for Jesus.
· Take time to remember something you did in the early days of your walk with God and then make a point to do one of them this week.