In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Between work, family responsibilities, social media, and trying to juggle everything life throws our way, we often find ourselves running on empty. For many believers, this busyness leads to a deeper issue: spiritual burnout. We still go through the motions—attending church, reading our Bible, praying occasionally—but the fire we once had for Jesus seems like a distant memory. If you’re feeling this way, know that you’re not alone, and more importantly, there’s hope.
Jesus’ message to the church in Revelation 2 speaks directly to us today: “You have left your first love.” The church in Ephesus was doing all the right things—working hard, enduring hardships, rejecting evil. But they had forgotten the most important thing: their love for Christ. Does that sound familiar? It’s possible to be busy with the things of God and still be distant from Him. We can get so wrapped up in the work of the Lord that we lose sight of the Lord of the work.
How Did We Get Here?
The world today demands more from us than ever before. We live in an age of constant connectivity, with notifications, deadlines, and responsibilities pulling us in all directions. We’re conditioned to equate productivity with worth, and this mindset can seep into our spiritual lives. We start thinking that if we’re busy for God, we’re close to God. But the truth is, no amount of activity can replace intimacy with Christ.
In Matthew Henry’s commentary, he reminds us that “activity without affection leads to a lifeless faith.” It’s not enough to do good works if we’ve lost the love that fueled those works in the first place. Similarly, Charles Spurgeon warns that “a busy church can still be a cold church if it forgets its first love.” Both of these great theologians remind us that our relationship with Christ must come before all else. Without that, everything else falls apart.
Signs You’ve Lost Your First Love
How can you tell if you’ve lost your first love for Christ? Here are some key signs:
- Spiritual Fatigue: You’re serving, but it feels like a chore rather than a joy. You’re exhausted, not energized by the work you’re doing for God.
- Routine Over Relationship: Your spiritual practices have become mechanical. You read the Bible, but the words don’t stir your heart. You pray, but it feels like you’re talking into the void.
- Disconnection from Others: When your love for Christ fades, so does your love for others. Relationships in your church community may start to feel strained or distant.
The Call to Return
Thankfully, Jesus never points out a problem without offering a solution. In Revelation 2:5, He gives us three clear steps to rekindle our first love:
Remember: Think back to when you first encountered Christ. Do you remember the passion, the excitement, the overwhelming joy of knowing Him? Recall those moments of closeness with Him.
Repent: Repentance isn’t just about feeling guilty; it’s about turning away from whatever has distracted you from Christ and making Him the priority again. Maybe it’s time to reassess your schedule or your spiritual practices.
Return: Go back to the basics—spend time in prayer, not out of duty but out of a desire to reconnect with Jesus. Dive into Scripture not just to gain knowledge, but to deepen your relationship with Him. Make space in your life to enjoy His presence again.
Why This Matters in Today’s World
In a world that constantly demands more of our time, energy, and attention, this call to return to our first love for Christ is more urgent than ever. We live in a time where distractions are everywhere, and the risk of spiritual burnout is real. But Jesus is not asking for more of your time—He’s asking for your heart. When we realign our lives with His love, everything else falls into place.
Spurgeon wisely said, “To lose your first love is to lose the best thing you ever had.” Don’t let the demands of this world steal your passion for Christ. Reignite the flame. His love is the only thing that will truly satisfy in a world that constantly leaves us wanting more.
The Promise for Those Who Overcome
Jesus promises that those who return to their first love will experience life in its fullness. Revelation 2:7 says, “To the one who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.” This isn’t just about eternal life in heaven—it’s about living a life now that is deeply connected to Christ, full of joy, peace, and purpose.
Practical Steps to Rekindle Your First Love
Unplug and Reflect: Take some time away from the distractions of the world. Whether it’s a social media fast or a personal retreat, give yourself space to focus solely on your relationship with Christ.
Prioritize Prayer and Scripture: Instead of just checking off your spiritual disciplines, approach them with the goal of reconnecting with Jesus. Ask the Holy Spirit to refresh your heart.
Serve with Love: If you’re involved in ministry, ask God to renew your heart’s motive. Let your service flow from a place of love, not obligation.
Reconnect with Community: Surround yourself with fellow believers who encourage you to keep Christ at the center. Share your journey with others and hold each other accountable.
Conclusion: A Fresh Start
If you’ve lost your first love for Christ, today is the day to return. The world will always be busy, but your heart doesn’t have to be distracted. Jesus is walking among His church, calling you back to Him. Will you respond? When you do, you’ll find that the joy, peace, and passion you’ve been missing are waiting for you in His presence. Let’s return to our first love together.