“Jesus replied, ‘You must love the LORD your God with all your
heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’” – Matthew 22:37 (NLT)
A few years ago, I went through a season in my life where I felt like my spiritual life was dry. I still got up in the morning, read the Bible, prayed, attended small group and church faithfully, and continued to serve in my ministry, but most days I was simply going through the motions and my heart wasn’t in it.
It's embarrassing to admit this, especially as a pastor, but there are days and seasons when my excitement for the things of God is not where I would like it to be.
In Matthew 22:37, Jesus said that we are to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, and mind. How do we do that on the days when our spiritual tank feels dangerously close to empty?
In a message to the first-century Church in Ephesus, Jesus said in Revelation 2:4-5, “…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…” Jesus challenged the Ephesian believers to go back and do the things for Him that they did when their love and passion for Him was high.
When you and I find ourselves spiritually cold, one of the best actions we can take is to engage in the practices and relationships we were active in when our love was white hot.
Maybe for you that’s journaling, going back to an old devotional, plugging back into church, volunteering or meeting with another believer regularly who is passionate about their faith. Whatever that looks like for you, make the time in your life to do the works you did at first so you can love God with everything you’ve got, the way He loves you.
“When you and I find ourselves spiritually cold, one of the best actions we can take is to engage in the practices and relationships we were active in when our love was white hot.”
Tip of the Day
Think back to one habit that was a part of your life when your faith was strong and consider what it would look like to put that into practice in your life this week.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I want to love You with all my heart, soul, and mind, but some days the pressures and demands of life overshadow what I know is most important in life. Please reignite in me the fire I once had for You and help me to know You better and love You more today.
Pause and Reflect
How do you personally interpret Jesus' command to love the Lord with all your heart, soul and mind?
Reflect on a time when your spiritual life felt vibrant and passionate. What practices and relationships were active during that period?
In what ways can you incorporate the "works you did at first" into your current spiritual routine to reignite your love for God?
