Is the church in North America
different enough from the world that they
see us as Christ followers?
In my
opinion, we are so much like the world that we are blind to the fact that we
continue in the same beliefs, values and ethics of this age. We bear many similarities to the church in Laodicea
and it could be because we are similar economically. We are wealthy*. In our affluence, we have become a
self-satisfied society which has caused the church to lose its life and
passion. I just wonder what Jesus will
think of our spending $200 plus on each person for Christmas while 5660*
children die of starvation every day.
Wealth gives
a sense of false security. We feel like
if we have no needs than we are all right.
In fact some Christians even teach that if you are truly saved, you will
be blessed with abundant finances. Laodiceans
were known for producing black wool, banking institutions, had two theaters (a
lot for back then) and a medical school which produced an eye salve thought to
heal weak eyes. In 60 AD the city was
destroyed by an earthquake yet did not need Rome’s
help as they rebuilt on their own.
Because you say, I am rich and increased with goods
and have need of nothing, and do not know that you are wretched and miserable
and poor and blind and naked, I counsel you to buy from Me gold purified by
fire, so that you may be rich; and white clothing, so that you may be clothed,
and so that the shame of your nakedness
does not appear. And anoint your eyes with eye salve, so that you may see. Rv.
3:17,18 (written 68-90AD)
Our passion
and life seems gone in the church probably due to feeling little need. Need causes one to press in to God, seeking
Him first. It is harder to do that when
we don’t feel our need. But we are as
they were, and blind to the fact. But
there is hope. We can go to God and
‘purchase’ purified gold as true wealth, clean clothing* to cover our shame,
and get eye salve to open our eyes that we may see. And boy, wouldn’t we all like to see God move
today like in the days of Acts? The
price- needing God and going to Him in everything.
As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten; therefore be
zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My
voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him and he
with Me. Rv. 3:19,20
Out of love, God
rebukes and chastens His children- as all good
fathers do. We must repent and be zealous again for Him. He is knocking and waiting for us to open the
door of our hearts to Him (written to Christians) and intimately dine with
Him. He will come in. To them that
overcome this apathy, lukewarmness and blindness He leaves this precious
promise:
To him who overcomes
I will grant to sit with Me in My throne, even as I also overcame and have sat
down with My Father in His throne. Rv. 3:21
*Before you think we aren’t, know for the most part that
we use most of the world’s hydro, spend more on gifts and consumerism than
other places, even when we are supposedly ‘broke’.
*World Hunger Statistics
*…For the fine linen is the righteousness of the saints.
(Rev. 19:8)