He has been married to his college sweetheart for fifteen years now. They have two kids, a lovely house in the suburbs, and lots of friends. He’s got a good, secure job. Everything looks great. But, in recent months he has been depressed and unhappy. His wife, noticing these changes, has been worried about him. Is he having a “mid-life crisis”? Is there another woman? Finally she summons up the courage to ask him what’s wrong.
He assures her that there is no other woman. He would NEVER do such a thing. What’s the problem? “To be totally honest”, he says, “I just don’t love you anymore.” Her pain is deep, and obvious. But, the husband hastens to add: “Don’t worry. I’m not going to leave you and the kids. I’ll still be here. I know it would be wrong to get a divorce. I’ll fulfill my obligations. We’ll keep going on.”
How do you think the wife will react? Do you imagine that she will be relieved? Will she be happy to know that their marriage will continue, but only as an outward show? Is that enough? Can “fulfilling obligations” take the place of “I love you”?
This imaginary account has too many real life counterparts. We think there are a number of spiritual parallels, too. How many Christians have lost their real love for the Lord? Oh, yes, they continue to go through motions. They worship regularly, and even show up for some of the special things. But, it is done out of obligation, not out of genuine love. Will that suffice? NO! Jesus says, “I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. . . repent and do the first works, or else I will come unto thee quickly and remove thy candlestick out of his place” (Rev. 2:4,5). The Lord desires service based on love. Nothing else will do.
– by Greg Gwin