Some people think that good works are everything, but they become relevant when they are driven by or are fruits of love for the Lord.
To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands:
2 I know your works, your labor and patience, and that you cannot bear evil people. You have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and have found them liars. 3 You have endured and have been patient and have worked hard for my name's sake, and have not grown weary. 4 But I have this against you: you have left your first love. 5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen, and repent and do the works you did at first. Otherwise, I will come to you soon and remove your lampstand from its place unless you repent. 6 But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, to him I will give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.
Revelation 2:1-7
In the church of Ephesus, an impressive ministry began to develop. Even though these brothers were constantly persecuted, the church that had been started by the apostle Paul remained steadfast and spread the word of God. It had no hesitation in questioning the false prophets. But much later, after 30 years after Paul had departed, John speaks differently, this time issuing a warning to the brothers.
Imagine what a great impact it must have had on the Ephesian brothers to read these words in the Book of Revelation after the Apostle Paul had long praised these brothers for their great service of love. On this occasion, the Lord was warning them and pointedly pointing out that they had left their first love and that the motive for which they were doing their work was the wrong one.
That's why Jesus Christ called them to remember their love for the Lord and, above all, invited them to delight in His salvation. This shows us that everything we do, no matter how great and beautiful it may be, is nothing unless it is driven by the love of God, which in turn is the fruit of a personal and close relationship with the Lord.
Our work may be impressive, but at the same time, it may not be fruitful and much less effective if it is not driven by the Lord. Let us remember that the Lord Himself is much more interested in our relationship with Him than in all the good works we may perform. For this reason, today He speaks to us and exhorts us to delight in His presence, to enjoy a relationship with Him much more than any good works we may do. The latter will be the result of the relationship we have with the Lord.
Sing to God for joy, all the earth.
2 Serve the Lord with gladness;
Come before His presence with singing.
Psalm 100:1-2
Let us ask God to help us never stray from His love, that all our works, all our thoughts, and all our intentions may be products of love and of our relationship with Him.
