The Ephesian church was discerning and solid in their convictions. They had dealt decisively with false apostles and had held firmly to the apostolic faith. They were not easily swayed. Given their struggle against falsehood they might naturally have developed something of a polemical posture which focused on defending the faith. There is a problem, however, that is often associated with this polemical posture. We can find ourselves fighting over the theological content of our faith whilst losing the heart of our faith. This occurs when we habitually treat our faith as a body of propositions. While our faith has a definite theological content, we must never lose sight of the fact that all this truth is given to lead us into a personal relationship with God. If you lose your love, you lose your faith, despite how correct your theology may be. A personal love-relationship is not a static thing, it consists in a process of honest interaction. If the process of interacting ceases then the relationship is compromised, and such a compromise is every bit as serious as the gravest theological error. In fact, it is more serious, because to contend for abstract theological facts over a concrete relationship with God, betrays the point of the facts. Hold firmly to the apostolic faith, but, more importantly, let the apostolic passion for God motivate you. The goal is not to be right, but to be righteous. To be righteous is to love God and trust him. Don’t just believe in ideas. Trust in God. Keep your love alive by trusting in the truth of what you believe.
Ask God to rekindle your passion.
Read Revelation 2:4-7
