Returning to Your First Love: When Service Overshadows Intimacy

In the whirlwind of Christian service, it's remarkably easy to lose sight of Christ Himself. Like the church in Ephesus, many believers today find themselves caught in a paradox: serving God faithfully while drifting from intimate fellowship with Him.

The Martha Syndrome

The familiar story of Mary and Martha perfectly illustrates our modern dilemma. Martha's dedication to service, though admirable, became a barrier to what Jesus valued most - intimate fellowship. This ancient narrative mirrors our contemporary struggle between doing and being.

The Subtle Shift

How does this drift occur? Often imperceptibly:

• Good activities replace God's presence

• Service substitutes for intimacy

• Routine replaces relationship

• Activity masks emptiness
  
  

Reflection Questions

Consider:

• When did you last sit quietly in God's presence without an agenda?

• Has your service become a substitute for intimacy?

• What characterised your early relationship with Jesus?

• What prevents you from returning to that first love?
  
  

The Path Back

Returning to our first love involves intentional steps:

• Pausing amidst busyness

• Remembering initial joy

• Repenting of misplaced priorities

• Reconnecting through presence

• Refocusing our hearts
  
  

The Heart of the Matter

Jesus's gentle rebuke to Martha wasn't about condemning service but realigning priorities. True service should flow from:

• Deep intimacy

• Genuine connection

• Personal relationship

• Authentic love

The Divine Invitation

This call to return isn't born of condemnation but of divine desire. Jesus longs for:

• Raw passion

• Genuine devotion

• Authentic relationship

• Unfiltered love

Remember: The invitation to return to your first love stands open. It's not about abandoning service but rediscovering its source. Jesus waits with open arms, desiring not just your service, but your heart. Will you accept His invitation to return?