HH, Sir Godfrey Gregg D.Div

“Go and cry in the ears of Jerusalem, saying, Thus saith the Lord; I remember thee, the kindness of thy youth, the love of thine espousals, when thou wentest after me in the wilderness, in a land that was not sown.” Jeremiah 2:2

“Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.” Revelation 2:4

What are the causes of the decline of my first love? Why do I leave my God no resource but to contrast my disappointing present, with my nobler past, and to remember the devotion of my youth?

Perhaps I have omitted to nourish my affection for Him. Love has to be fed. It must be in the society of the person it is centred. If my tenderness for God is to thrive, I must spend many fruitful moments every day in His company and must cultivate an intimate fellowship with Him. It may be that I have failed here.

Or perhaps I have omitted to exercise my affection. Love diminishes unless it busies itself in labouring for its beloved.

• What have I been doing for God?
• What sacrifices have I been making?
• What offerings have I been laying at His feet?

It may be that I have been living a life of self-pleasing, instead of a life of service. Yes, it may well be that the root of the trouble has been here.

Or perhaps I have omitted to shield my affection. Love has to be guarded. My attachment to God cannot flourish alongside the conscious indulgence of sin. Love cannot mount up on an eagle’s wings if I am absorbed in worldly fascinations and entertainment. It cannot preserve its brightness if I hanker after the prizes and pleasures of those strangers to Christ. It will wither in such an impure atmosphere!

Let me search and see. One means which will lead to my recovery is to discover the reason for my decay.

“Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first!” Revelation 2:5