This post is Day 9 in a series of studies about “Work/Works”. I strongly suggest you begin with the introduction to this study, please click here to read it.

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Work/Works – Day 9

Often church members are occupied with the work they do for the church. Too many think they must be occupied with doing something for Jesus, or the church they are a part of. This is a deception of the enemy. All that Jesus asks us to do is love Him!

Revelation 2:2&4

I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false.
Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first.

The Thought

The first verse here is such an encouraging one to read. God sees ALL that we do, whether it is for Him or not! At least it is encouraging if we are working hard and persevering! The church in Ephesus to whom this letter was written seem to be doing a great job. They had obviously learned how to discern false teachers, and had worked hard.

Sadly this encouragement was followed by criticism from the mouth of Jesus. These fervent believers had lost their first love!

It is so easy for us to become too enthusiastic and engrossed in what we do for the Lord, and for His church, that we forget our work is with and for Him.

Just like in any relationship, where both partners are working towards the same goal, it is easy to become so involved with the project in hand that we forget the relationship which started it. Too many marriages have suffered from that sort of problem.

Often church members are occupied with the work they do for the church. Too many think they must be occupied with doing something for Jesus, or the church they are a part of. This is a deception of the enemy. All that Jesus asks us to do is love Him!

Remember Him asking Peter if he loved Him (John 21:15-17).

Action

Ask yourself today if you love Jesus, and if what you do for your church or other organisation, is really for Him. Be honest in your answer.

Ask the Lord to show you if there is something you need to let go of in order to consecrate more time to what really matters.

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