“There is a sore evil which I have seen under the sun, namely, riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt.” Ecclesiastes 5:13
There is no one who knows this better than American Christians. Our nation is so blessed with prosperity, but it has only been to our own hurt. Materialism and the life of ease has captured the hearts of multitudes of Christians. This has hurt the body of Christ and grieved the heart of our Lord who was the one who blessed us in the first place. Yet, we can still rise out of this; we can still come back to our first love. Let’s not hurt and hinder ourselves anymore.
“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;” I Tim. 4:1
Only those who are born again through faith can depart from faith. We believers are warned, that in these last days, there will be Christians who will depart from faith in God. There is not one of us reading this that is beyond falling away. May I encourage you all to strengthen your walk in the Lord? Following are signs that may indicate you are in the process of departing from the faith or already have.
- If your love for God has cooled, and you are subtly leaving your first love.
“Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.” Rev. 2:4
I would assume, every real believer, has at times had a fear of losing their first love. I have prayed many times that my love for and commitment to the Lord would grow stronger. I want to encourage every one of you with this beautiful thought. If you are happily married or you know some other couples that are, then realize that if two people, whether saved or lost, can maintain their love for their spouse of 30, 40 or 50 years, how much more can a believer who loves a perfect loving God, maintain a strong and growing love for their Lord.