Deepening Our Lives - part 2
When moving from the physical and geographical to the spiritual, I am reminded of the ancient church in Ephesus. If I had lived in that era, I would have eagerly attended that church. It was among the best of its time. Known for its diligence, zeal, and discernment, the Ephesian church was famous for its doctrinal soundness and strong leadership. It stood firm in truth, unyielding in its pursuit of righteousness.
Here’s what the Lord Himself said about that church: "I know your deeds, your hard work, and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, 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." (Revelation 2:2-3)
Yet, despite their commendable qualities, all was not well in the Ephesian church.
Starting in verse 4, the tone takes a sharp turn, revealing nothing but condemnable traits - characteristics of a local assembly of believers that would have initially drawn you, me, and countless others like us.
"But I have this against you: You have left your first love."
A.T. Robertson, in his Word Pictures in the New Testament, reflects, “This early love, proof of the new life in Christ … had cooled off despite their doctrinal purity. They had remained orthodox but had become unloving.” Similarly, John Stott writes in What Christ Thinks of the Church, “They had fallen from the early heights of devotion to Christ … They had descended to the plains of mediocrity. In a word, they were backsliders.”
It’s sobering to think that this was the same church to which Paul once wrote, “Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love” (Ephesians 6:24). What happened in those 30 years? Their zeal for Christ cooled. They clung to doctrine but lost their fervor.
Just as revisiting my physical and geographical roots gave me a valuable perspective, I want to reflect on my spiritual roots. Memory is a powerful tool, transporting us to places and times we may have long forgotten. For me, this means remembering the early days of my faith:
When my love for Christ was budding and blooming.
When speaking about Him ignited a burst of zeal and joy.
When prayer felt powerful and new.
When Scripture was a treasure trove of insights I had never known.
When sharing my faith was the highlight of my week.
When devotion was consistent, fulfilling, and deep.
But where is that zeal now?
If I am honest, I often feel like the Ephesian Christians Jesus addressed in Revelation 2:5: "Remember from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at first."
Growth requires change, but not all change signifies growth. While I would never choose to return to my days in Arizona - despite the wonderful times and feelings they held - I have grown since then. However, my early days of faith are worth revisiting, not to stay stuck in the past, but to reignite my first love for Christ.
Over the next several weeks, I will be exploring ways to deepen my life with Christ. Perhaps, like me, you feel the need for a new perspective - one that rekindles that first-love relationship. This kind of relationship doesn’t rely on stirring sermons, grand worship events, or powerful evangelists. It is simply a natural and intimate part of our daily walk with God.
The Danger of Distance
Feeling distant from God is a frightening experience. But remember:
God will never adjust His agenda to fit ours.
He won’t speed up His pace to keep up with our hurried lives.
He won’t shout over the noise of our distractions.
He won’t conform to our schedules.
Instead, we must adapt to His ways. We must slow down, prioritize Him, and conform to His path. Only then can our lives truly embody godliness.
The Challenge Ahead
In the chaos of my life, where pressures are relentless, my schedule is packed, and ever-complicated relationships consume my days, the question arises: If godliness is still my desire, how do I walk with Christ during it all?
My life is busier than ever. Technology has made me more connected but less present. The constant demands on my time pull me away from moments of stillness and reflection. And yet, amid it all, God still calls me to Himself - to walk closely with Him, to trust Him, and to live in godliness.
For me and I am guessing some of you, there’s a longing to return to the simplicity and purity of our first love for Christ. Remember those early days of faith when every worship song felt personal, and every Scripture verse felt alive? The good news is that this deep connection with God is still possible. But it requires us to make room for Him in the crowded spaces of our lives.
This series, Deepening Our Lives, will explore what it means to live a life anchored in God despite the distractions and demands that surround us. But let me be clear from the start: this journey will not come naturally, automatically, or without effort. Deepening our relationship with God requires intentionality, perseverance, and a heart of humility.
God doesn’t expect perfection from us, but He does desire our hearts. This journey is not about adding more to our to-do list but about shifting our focus, setting our hearts on things above, and discovering the joy and peace that come from walking closely with God.
Let’s embark on this journey together. Let’s rediscover what it means to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Whether feeling spiritually dry, overwhelmed, or simply seeking to deepen your faith, this series is for you.
Join me as we take intentional steps toward rekindling our devotion and experiencing the abundant life Christ has promised us. Together, we’ll walk this path of rediscovery, learning to live deeply, love fully, and walk closely with the One who never stops pursuing us.
Call to Action
This week, I’m dedicated to taking intentional steps to reignite my devotion. Will you join me?
Make Time for God Daily – I will dedicate a portion of my day to prayer, reading Scripture, and quiet reflection. Even if it is only 10–15 minutes, this will have a meaningful impact.
Meditate on Key Scriptures – Each week, I will select a verse to meditate on and memorize. This week, I’m starting with Revelation 2:4-5.
Pray for Renewal – I am committed to praying specifically for God to renew my heart, deepen my love for Him, and ask for His guidance to prioritize what matters most.
Identify and Reduce Distractions – I will list the things that frequently pull me away from spending time with God - whether it’s social media, work demands, or general busyness - and reflect on ways to minimize or eliminate them.