Wednesday Blessing

In Touch with Dr. Charles Stanley

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

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March 23

The Priority of Relationship

Revelation 2:1-7

Ephesuswas the home of a tremendous ministry. Despite harsh
persecution, the church planted by Paul endured opposition,
spread the gospel, and was quick to challenge false prophets.
But 30 years after the apostle left, John’s revelation included a
stern warning for those believers.

Imagine how the words of Revelation 2 must have struck the
Ephesians when they read them. After complimenting their
service to the gospel, Christ said, “But I have this against you . . .
" That phrase was no doubt extremely disconcerting. The Lord
warned them that they had left their first love. In other words, all of
their work was being done with wrong motives.

Christ called the Ephesians to remember their love for Him and
their delight in His salvation. Service is no substitute for an
intimate relationship, but modern believers continue to fall into
this subtle trap. The commendable things that we do count for
nothing unless they stem from a vibrant personal connection with
God. Our work can’t be effective or fruitful unless He is in it.

In fact, God is more interested in you and your personal
relationship with Him than in a thousand lifetimes of good works.
He desires to be the satisfaction and delight of His children so
that their service is a result of loving devotion.

There are plenty of wrong reasons to labor for the kingdom.
However, God is satisfied only with service motivated by love for
Him. He wants those with selfish intentions to return to their first
love. In that way, hearts and minds can be renewed, and service to
the Lord will be more fruitful.