What are your priorities?

"Nevertheless, I have this against you, that you have left your first love."   

                                                              Revelation 2:4   NKJV 

Let us take for example a marriage. If one of the partners follow their duties within the home and yet leave their partner out, then pretty soon there will be an upset. Husbands and wives should do their duties within the home with the other partner in mind - such as wanting to please them.

It was a similar thing here in the church of Ephesus. The leaders and members, were too busy with orthodox routine and therefore, neglected putting God in His rightful place - first.

The Church of Ephesus were so committed and dedicated to their mission that they left the most important part out - Jesus. They had a correct doctrine but not a correct heart. They had rightly tested everything in scripture and found that some so-called apostles, did not teach pure doctrine. Jesus had recognised their diligence in this area but, rebuked them because they had not put Him first. They were merely following a program of their own making - routine. Duty had replaced devotion.

This is so easy to do. Dedication can take over. Take for example Mary and Martha in Luke 10:38-42. Martha chose to work in the house, serving Jesus instead of spending the time with Him as Mary was doing. Mary wanted to listen and learn. Martha wanted to work and serve.

Spending too much time doing what we feel is God's work, instead of worshipping Him will bring His displeasure. Yes, He is pleased when we are out and about organising this event and attending that course etc. But, there is no replacement for spending time with Jesus. When we spend time in His presence, He will show us much more about ourselves and the way He wants us to go. We should never be too busy to spend this precious time with Him. However, we need to avoid the routine.

If we're not careful, we can find ourselves being 'routine led' instead of 'Spirit led.' If we are in the routine mode, we find ourselves doing the same old thing daily; praying the same old prayers. I'm not saying this is a bad thing; it is better than doing nothing. However, when we are in the Spirit, He leads us to new things. We become more open to Him because we are free from following the same old routine each day. 

Try this out for a week; just leave the time you spend with Jesus each day, to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Let Him take the lead. I am sure that you will adopt this way from thereon. And you will be putting Jesus first in what you do, each day.,

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now:

Lord Jesus, I have sinned   

I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today.

In Jesus' Name. Amen'

Copyright 2024 Grahame Howard.                                

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