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How do you decide how you'll spend your time, money, energy? We all set priorities all day every day. Most of the time we don't even think about it. We just do what needs to be done when it comes up. But sometimes what we do isn't nearly as important as why we do it. Christ's message to the church at Ephesus bears that out.

Jesus had all kinds of good things to say about that church. The people worked hard; they got rid of evil in their midst; when teachers came to them they checked them out before swallowing everything they said; they endured hard times because of their faith. All this was good. In fact, it was outstanding. But one thing was lacking: love. They used to love God and each other, but somehow that love had cooled.

This can happen to you, too. You can check off every item on the "to do" list and fling supper on the table as if you were feeding ducks at the local park. You can teach every point on the Sunday school lesson and mutter something about "little brats" under your breath. You can pray each morning and night—and feel as if you're paying dues to God. Jesus invited the church of Ephesus to return to its first love, to "repent and do the first works" (2:5). He invites you to do the same. (See also Genesis 22:1-19; 1 Samuel 15:10-35; Haggai 2:6-9; Luke 10:38-42.)

Good Words to Remember:
I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil …. Nevertheless … you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works. Revelation 2:2, 4, 5

Today's Challenge:
Are your relationships, particularly your relationship with Jesus, your first love? Or does work crowd them out?

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