Reignite the Flame

Robust. Romantic. Exciting. Expectant. Joy-filled.  These five simple words so well describe one's first teenage dates.  Do you remember how you waited expectantly at the door for your handsome man to careen into the drive? Do you smile as you recall the countless hours spent fussing over your hair and creating the perfect outfit? Oh, the freshness of those first dates! Remembrances of these firsts may even make you a bit giddy!

What about your first dates with Christ? Do you remember how you eagerly read His word and hid it away in your heart? Can you recall the excitement you had when He spoke something sweet and new to your heart? And can you recall the way you jumped out of bed on Sunday morning in preparation for church where you would be among those who also loved your Lord? Yes, the beginning of a faith journey is much like that of a first teenage date. Robust. Romantic. Exciting. Expectant. Joy-filled.

But, what about the current season of your faith walk? Would you describe it as stated above, or would you be more apt to use words such as commonplace, mundane, routine, static, obligatory, or lackluster? Unfortunately, today many Christians would say that their relationship with Christ is not what it used to be. 

In the book of Revelation, we see that this relationship problem is nothing new to Christians. 

Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. Consider how far 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. 2:3-5 (NIV)

You see, those being addressed in this passage had 'lost' their first love. No, they were not literally abandoned by God, but they had simply become distracted by the activities and stresses of life. The cares of the world had caused the people to become apathetic toward the spiritual things of God. God had become an obligation rather than a dazzling sensation. If this is where you find yourself today, go back to the things you did at the beginning of your relationship. Read the scriptures, expectantly watch for His hand in your circumstances, sing praises, share stories of your 'handsome Jesus' with those you meet. And, pray that God will reignite the flame of your first love!