Before leaving the church today, I decided to stop into my office one last time to drop off a few things. As I was walking down the hall where my office is located, I pulled out my keys. Now, I’m a pretty simple key guy – car key, house key, and an office key. You will not find any key chains hooked to my key rings plastered with sayings such as, “There Are Three Kinds of People – Those Who Can Count and Those Who Can’t “or “Jesus is Coming…Quick, Look Busy!” or “I love Myrtle Beach.” I made a commitment at a very early age not to be the guy who has 100+ keys/key chains and a Swiss army knife attached to his belt.
Besides the three keys on my key ring, I also have a remote keyless entry with a built in panic button. I find this very handy since my last car did not have one and I may need it to thwart off possible attackers in the church parking lot or just annoy my neighbors. The remote keyless entry has become second nature to me and I find myself using it mindlessly; in fact, when I was walking down the hall to my office today, I tried using it to open the office door. Unfortunately, it didn’t work and I realized I am an idiot!
Is it possible to get so used to doing something that we don’t even think about it anymore? We’re just going through the motions. I believe John wrote to the church at Ephesus who was seemingly going through all the proper motions, yet without passion. John writes, “I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.” (Revelation 2:2-4). The church at Ephesus was doing all the right things, but only out of habit. What was the cure for their mindless works? John instructs them to repent and once again serve God with passion (Revelation 2:5). The solution is the same for all who continue to push the button without seeing the door open.
