Don’t give up

Over 2000 years ago there was a message from Jesus (given to John) to be delivered in writing to a group of believers in Ephesus. The message was to them but I think it is just as relevant to us today too in these crazy times.

First, Jesus offers some affirmation and encouragement: (not exact quotes here)"You have worked hard and persevered" - Many people I know are working really hard these days trying to do the right things - with their families, their friends, and at their jobs. They have persevered and resisted the temptation to give up or give in or compromise.

"You have had good discernment" - Many of us have been seeking the truth on many levels and trying to filter out the barrage of conflicting or false (fake) messages coming at us from people through social media, news outlets, and even from our friends.

"You have endured hardships for My Name and not grown weary" - It has clearly been a hard year. These days, standing up for the name of Jesus is not easy and can invite difficulties & criticism. Yet, so many friends have not stopped doing what is right.

But Jesus also has some hard words for his people: (again, not the exact words of Jesus)"You have forgotten your first love" - Where is that genuine love you used to have for Jesus? Where is that "childlike" faith? How long has it been since you worshipped the Lord with your whole heart?

"How far have you fallen?" - What does your faith look like now compared to those early days? Yes, you still believe but is it really supposed to be the way it is now?

"Go back to doing the things you used to do" - Set aside time to be alone with Jesus and your Bible. Get with a small circle of people who will encourage you and speak into your life.

Ask God to give you a mission.

So here's the passage from the Bible: "I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name and have not grown weary. Yet, I hold this against you: You have lost your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen. Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place." Rev 2:2-5

Let me try to summarize my thoughts on this. 2020 was a challenging year on so many fronts. It continues in 2021. I see that so many people have been working hard and persevering through the challenges. But I also see many people whose faith has drifted or grown cold. Many of us have been so distracted by the pandemic, the cultural battles, politics, no church, lack of exercise & social interactions, even the lack of sports. It is so easy to grow weary and let these things determine our joy and our relationship with God.

Let's RETURN to our first love. Let's NOT put our faith in humans or human institutions but rather, let's renew our faith in Jesus and trust HIM for the solutions to all that is going on and trust HIM for the leadership of our country. And trust HIM for the leadership of our own lives. Amen.