“I know thy works, and thy labor…Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love” (Revelation 2:2, 4).

The Lord Jesus is speaking to the church at Ephesus, but He could have been speaking to any Christian in any generation. This is a statement that at one time or another probably could be said to any of us. The Lord Jesus knew the works, the ministry, and the activity of the early church at Ephesus. I am sure He appreciated this; however, there was something missing. Their love for Him started to wane. They were busy doing good things, but they were missing the most important thing. They were not growing in that precious and personal love for the Lord Jesus. Likewise when our love for the Lord Jesus cools off, He knows it, and it hurts Him deeply. As we commit to daily worship, reading His Word, and investing time in prayer, we will get to know Him more and love Him in a deeper way.

For today: In the busyness of the day, let’s remember that activity can never replace deep love for the Lord Jesus.