"An individual or church can teach sound doctrine, be faithful to the gospel, be morally upright, and work hard, yet be lacking love and therefore, be displeasing to Christ. Love can grow cold while outward religious performance still appears to be acceptable--or even praiseworthy."
Alexander Strauch, Love or Die, p. 19.
Yet I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember from where you have fallen and repent and do the first works. If not, I will come to you and remove your candlestick from its place. - Jesus Christ to the church at Ephesus
ReplyDeleteOne of my favorite hymn lines (from "O Sacred Head Now Wounded"):
ReplyDelete"Lord, make me thine forever
And should I fainting be,
Lord, let me never, never,
Outlive my love for Thee."