Have you ever started a new project with exuberance and passion but then became indifferent or bored with it over time? Those piano lessons, that craft, class, sport, or job that once held your full attention and gave you such joy at one time has suddenly become a drag or an obligation.
Do you remember those days in middle school when you had a new boyfriend seemingly every week? In a matter of days that cute boy that gave you goose bumps suddenly grossed you out. Then, in our grown-up relationships, it may not happen as quickly, but it still happens. That young man who treated you like such a gentleman before you married may feel like an uncaring stranger now. Where there used to be such passion and love, indifference and contempt have taken over. It doesn’t have to be that way, but many couples fall into this trap over time.
Doesn’t the same thing sometimes happen in our walk with Christ as well? In the beginning, we couldn’t get enough of the Bible; our worship was so passionate; and we were the first ones at the church every time the doors were open. Then one day we find ourselves making excuses about our lack of involvement, and we wonder how in the world we went the whole week without picking up our Bibles even one time. When at one time Jesus was our first priority of the day, He has become no more than an occasional passing thought in our lives.
How does this happen, and how can we change this progression?
Let me put it this way. My husband and I were in Mexico this past week and had a glorious time at the beach. While there, we noticed a couple who was floating together on a little raft and having the best time laughing together. Later, my husband had a dream about them that was so profound!
In his dream, the man went back to his chair, and the woman stayed on the float. He noticed that she kept floating farther and farther away from the shore until she was out of sight. She suddenly panicked when she realized how far she had drifted and wondered how to get back. My husband abruptly woke up and heard these words ringing in his spirit:
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. Revelation 2:4-5 ESV
He got up in the middle of the night and began sobbing and sobbing. Sunday’s sermon began pouring through his fingers onto the computer screen, and God spoke to him about how the church so easily drifts away from their passion for Him. The problem is that it happens so gradually. We often don’t notice it until we have drifted dangerously far from the shore.
At the shore is our excitement, passion, commitment, and early works. It wasn’t the works that caused our hearts to be passionately devoted, but it was out of passionately devoted hearts that we did those early works with such enthusiasm and joy. However, as the busyness of life began crowding our hearts, we proceeded to slowly drift from the shore. We didn’t notice it, of course, because as long as the pristine white sand is still in view, we think we are OK. We are unaware of the distance until we suddenly can no longer reach the shore.
This illustrates our relationship with Christ, our marriages, and all those other projects we mentioned at the beginning. It is human nature to drift and fizzle. We lose interest and become complacent by default. We often catch ourselves and make corrections in the flesh. We may attempt to dig ourselves out of our ruts and try to get re-motivated. Why do you think motivational seminars are so successful? We are often searching for the thing that will get us fired up again and back to our original passion.
God’s Word, however, has a simple remedy, and it is one I challenge you to consider and try. In verse 5, Jesus commands, “Repent, and do the works you did at first.” To repent is to turn around. Instead of facing the endless sea, turn around and head back to the shore. Begin doing the things you did in the beginning, and the passion will return. You will rediscover your first love.
Begin spending quality time in prayer and worship; turn on praise music; volunteer and serve at your church faithfully; pick up the Bible and some great Christian literature; and fellowship with some positive, on-fire, Christian friends. I am not saying to “Fake it until you make it,” but I am suggesting that you seek God first and wholeheartedly like you did in the beginning. You will certainly find Him!
You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13 ESV
Please, don’t let yourself drift any farther. Wake up before you find yourself stranded at sea, in a place where you have completely lost the shore. Know that God is compelling you, and the Holy Spirit will empower you to turn around and swim back. It is never too late with Him!
For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. Philippians 2:13 NLT
Let’s fall in love with Jesus again, just like in the beginning!
For those of you who are married, let’s do the things we did in the beginning, and let’s fall in love with our husbands again. Do those romantic things that you used to do and spend time together. Treat him like a king, as you did once upon a time.
If this is you in your career, your ministry, your home, or your life in general, let us also return to the things we did in the beginning when our commitment was fresh. It is a choice we make, not a feeling. However, the feelings come in time when we are faithful to do what God has called us to do.
Every single one of us is afforded a fresh start. No matter how far you have drifted in any area of your life, by the grace and mercy of God, you can have a clean slate and a new beginning. You really can rediscover your passion!
May you find fresh joy and exuberance in every area of your life, but most of all in your walk with Christ! If I can pray with you in any way, please let me know. God bless you!
