Daily devotion – The danger of neglect and indifference
1 “To the angel of the church of Ephesus write,
‘These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: 2 “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; 3 and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. 4 Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. 5 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. 6 But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
7 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.” ’
Neglect and indifference are both two terrible things. If you neglect to water your plants, they simply wilt and die in a short matter of time. Indifference is just as bad, two people can marry, but due to selfishness and inattention, a few years later can separate never to be together again. I recall a man telling me that very thing. He said one morning his wife woke him and said, “I don’t love you anymore,” and walked out of the house leaving four children and a broken man.
We can do the same with our Lord. Jesus writes to the Church at Ephesus and warns them that they have ‘left their first love’ – Jesus their Lord and Saviour. Yes, the Church was still going about the motions. It was doctrinally still on track. But it had neglected its relationship with He who saved them and loved them. They had not lost their first love. When you lose something you know where it is. But this Church had moved away from its first love. It had left it!
They had become indifferent to the things of God. God hadn’t changed neither had He moved away. They neglected keeping a relationship with Christ.
They were simply going through the motions without any emotion. Like many couples today, who live as two strangers, living two separate lives but still living in the same home and having the same surname.
Therefore, God over and over in His Word, calls us to meet with Him. At the beginning of each day, during the day, when there is a crisis, when there isn’t a crisis and to end each day in His presence.
Take a look at a healthy plant, it will be one that is watered and fed constantly. It will be one that the gardener has spent time with. Then take a look at a dead plant! No life, no care, no hope.
Today where is your relationship with God? Would Christ say you have ‘left your first love?’
Jesus said to the Church in Ephesus, remember, repent and return.
Christ is right where you have left Him, walked passed Him, neglected Him, and He is still waiting there for you!