7. Love over all!
For all of the many things and activities we will be involved in this year, let’s remember that LOVE (for God and people) is to be primary!
Remember the Ephesus story. This was a church that experienced an unprecedented revival (see Acts 19). It was a church 'on fire.' Yet as the decades went by, they left that first love. Here is Jesus' message to them through his servant John …
Rev. 2:1-7. Write this letter to the angel of the church in Ephesus. This is the message from the one who holds the seven stars in his right hand, the one who walks among the seven gold lamp stands: “I know all the things you do. I have seen your hard work and your patient endurance. I know you don’t tolerate evil people. You have examined the claims of those who say they are apostles but are not. You have discovered they are liars. You have patiently suffered for me without quitting. “But I have this complaint against you. You don’t love me or each other as you did at first! Look how far you have fallen! Turn back to me and do the works you did at first. If you don’t repent, I will come and remove your lampstand from its place among the churches. But this is in your favor: You hate the evil deeds of the Nicolaitans, just as I do. “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches. To everyone who is victorious I will give fruit from the tree of life in the paradise of God.
There are a lot of good reasons for the work we choose to do and the ministries we may be involved in – for a sense of belonging, for a sense of contribution, for a job to do and maybe some pay for the effort, or for a sense of eternal reward. They are good and noble things BUT the greatest motivating force in our lives is to be LOVE. LOVE made me do it!
Conclusion
I hope you have received something from these 7 random thoughts. Hear the voice of the Spirit. Catch the wind of His movement. Respond accordingly …