A missing element

A short time ago I wrote about the three"p"'s...perseverance, patience and prayer. And I made reference to a ship named perseverance which to me exemplified many trials that we face from time to time which leave us weather beaten and broken at times but if we persevere in prayer God will see us through. But there is an element missing. Take for instance the parable of the prodigal son. I am sure that his father persevered in prayer and showed great patience. An d it was Jesus who related that story as well as the story of the friend who came at midnight looking for bread. He also told the parable of the widow who sot justice from an unjust judge. There again we saw these three elements in action.
But Jesus again refers to these three ingredients when He delivers through the Apostle John a message to the church located in Ephesus. And He says, It's not enough, a nominal Christian life is not enough! Even a hard working good living Christian life is not enough...He said to the church in Ephesus, "I know your works, your labour, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil"...Rev. 2:2 verse 3, "and you have persevered and have patience, and have laboured for My names sake, and have not become weary." But in verse four, we see a real CRY FROM THE HEART OF JESUS. He says to the church of the Ephesians"Nevertheless I have this against you.........that you have left your first love." AS I MEDITATED ON THIS WORD TODAY I HAVE COME TO The conclusion that if we do not have an up to date love affair with Jesus then all of our goodness is just filthy rags. He says, "Repent and do the first works."....when you first accepted Jesus in your heart. and if you have never done so, I urge
you to accept Him know. Love, the missing ingredient.