“But I have this against you: You have abandoned the love you had at first.” (v. 4)

Consider a profile of your church:

It is very likely doing quality religious work. It is very likely teaching well, giving generously, and perpetuating programs. It is very likely maintaining decency and order—even excellence.

Your church’s profile might check all of those boxes.

Here’s what’s frustrating:

It is possible to do all of that without love. More troublingly, the quality-organization mode effectively organizes away from love.

Ask the question: How much of what we do are we doing for the live of our neighbors? How much of it reveals a love for the nations? How does our effective church program welcome wanderers, lift up the needy, and share hope?

Or try it this way: Is there evidence that, for the love of Christ and to love as Christ, we are willing to deny ourselves?

Jesus, in Revelation, gives a sharp criticism to the ancient church—and the church for all time in all places. Don’t do quality religious work at the expense of love! Instead, expend yourselves religiously for the sale of love. The organization has to serve the mission. Love can’t be part of the program. It’s the heart of the program!

Let the word for that church be a word for your church, too, which means it is a word for you. Love!

— Tyler