Yes, that happens. Jesus warned the church of Ephesus: “‘Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.” (Revelation 2:4). Despite the good works, they had lost the essential: love for God above all.

This distancing does not occur abruptly. On the contrary, it is gradual, subtle, almost imperceptible. Gradually, other priorities occupy the space that was God’s – until, one day, everyone realises, except the person.

How this happens:

First of all, God must have been, in fact, the person’s first love. Those who have already put God at the centre of life know what it is like to please Him more than themselves or anyone else. You know what it’s like to live for His will.

However, over time, something or someone can begin to occupy this central place. And this happens slowly. Often, they are even good things – including God’s Work.

Can God’s Work take God’s place?

Some serve God, preach, help people and do good deeds, but with the wrong motivation – seeking recognition, status or personal fulfilment. They are doing God’s Work, but in their own way, not as God wants.

Examples are not lacking: people who want to serve but impose conditions – “I want to do the work, as long as it’s singing”; “As long as it’s in a certain place”; “After sorting my life, I will serve.” In this scenario, the “I” is in the centre, not God.

Solomon’s Example: When the ‘I’ takes the place of God

Solomon is one of the greatest biblical examples of someone who started well but gradually deviated. At the beginning of his reign, he asked God for wisdom to rule the people with justice (2 Chronicles 1:6–12). He pleased the Lord so much that he received wisdom, riches and peace. But over time, Solomon began to live for himself. In Ecclesiastes 2, he reports how he got lost:

“‘I made my works great, I built myself houses, and planted myself vineyards…” (Ecclesiastes 2:4)

The repetition of “myself” reveals the new centre of his life: himself. Unlike his father, David, who used his wealth for the house of God, Solomon accumulated treasures for himself.

“I did not withhold my heart from any pleasure… And indeed all was vanity and grasping for the wind.”(Ecclesiastes 2:10-11)

In the end, he said: “‘Therefore I hated life.” (Ecclesiastes 2:17). Despite having had everything – power, wealth, pleasure – his life became empty. He had lost his purpose.

Life is not about us – It’s about God

That’s the big lesson. When God ceases to be the first love, everything loses its meaning. No human being, pleasure, or achievement has the structure to occupy God’s place at the centre of our lives.

Like Solomon, many today live in search of personal satisfaction – and even having everything, they feel empty and lost. Because life is not about us. It’s about God.

John the Baptist summed it nicely: “He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30)

If you understand this, you will find true happiness.

Check out this message in full in the video above.