I have told you before that my best time for thinking is from 2 am until about 5 am on most nights recently. I don’t worry during this time it just seems that God speaks to me clearly during these hours. I have suggested that Thee Almighty might want to consider 10 am… but he’s God and He doesn’t need my consent to do anything He wants to do. If he wants to continue the early morning sessions I am good with that.
Last week he suggested an inventory that one might need to think about and that “one” could possibly be me, it could be the church, or it could be Christians as a whole. What I am talking about is the task of assessment. Not judging and not comparing ourselves with others but taking seriously that task of considering motives, actions, attitudes in relation to the ultimate standard, God in Christ… Jesus.
The Revelation of John; the last book of the bible offers a most valuable couple of chapters concerning the assessment of the early church in its various locations during the time. The churches being addressed are Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. Two of the churches are quite memorable for me due to the very clear unmistakable condemnation to each. First there is the church at Laodicea which has a harsh rebuke that many of us consider to be the legacy of a church that was lukewarm. I don’t want to be accused of. This church is considered to be a lukewarm congregation and God is not pleased with the church’s tepid response to her kingdom obligations. There is no enthusiasm for their work for God’s kingdom and therefore it is assessed in chapter 3 verse 16 with these words from the risen, glorified savior… “I know your deeds.. That you are neither hot nor cold.. I am about to spit you out”. This is not a command to be an obnoxious, irritating, shallow cheerleader for “Team God”. But instead a warning not to belittle or compartmentalize our faith. We are to live the life of one who is “all in” when it comes to the faith we profess. We don’t just talk about our beliefs we live them out… enthusiastically.
I have considered my self examined, assessed and made aware of God’s take on a faith that is just saying the right thing, acting the right way and looking good at the appropriate times. I am gonna do better! Personally I want a faith that is more than skin deep, Pray for me. I will be praying for you!
I realize I told you I found profound insight in Jesus’ words to two congregations. I ran out of room. Next week we will talk about the church that did everything right but still didn’t have it right!!!
Andy O
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