Revelation 3:1-6
Today's Passage: Revelation 3:1-6
Reputation is hard to come by. It is built over time through a consistent way of life. Character is simply who we are, even when no one is watching. So many of us put forth a reputation that is different or better than who we really are. Jesus’ words to the church of Sardis cut straight through the Instagram life and into their true character. If Jesus were to write you a letter, what would He say about your reputation versus your character?
Jesus’ big grief with the church of Sardis was their deeds. They claimed to know and love Jesus, but their actions were far from the ways of the Lord. Many of us today know this struggle. We know what we ought to do, yet we choose to live in the flesh and gratify our sinful desires. We know God tells us to tithe, but we would prefer to save. God tells us to keep our ways pure, but we let our eyes and thoughts wander. We know that Jesus commands us to live on mission, but we would rather gossip about others rather than witness to them.
Jesus gives Sardis and us a stern but gracious warning — turn your heart back to me. That’s the real problem here, our hearts. We once burned with zeal for the Lord when we came to know Him for the first time or had a powerful moment at camp. Since that time we’ve become complacent. The divide between our hearts and our hands has widened, because…well, our hearts aren’t pursuing the Lord anymore.
Jesus’ call for the church of Sardis is the same for you — turn back to Him today. His grace is sufficient to cover for your failings, and His Spirit is strong enough to help you follow Him. It simply takes repentance and faith. Run after Him, and long for the day He announces your name before your Heavenly Father (v5).
Written By: Joe Weaver
Reputation is hard to come by. It is built over time through a consistent way of life. Character is simply who we are, even when no one is watching. So many of us put forth a reputation that is different or better than who we really are. Jesus’ words to the church of Sardis cut straight through the Instagram life and into their true character. If Jesus were to write you a letter, what would He say about your reputation versus your character?
Jesus’ big grief with the church of Sardis was their deeds. They claimed to know and love Jesus, but their actions were far from the ways of the Lord. Many of us today know this struggle. We know what we ought to do, yet we choose to live in the flesh and gratify our sinful desires. We know God tells us to tithe, but we would prefer to save. God tells us to keep our ways pure, but we let our eyes and thoughts wander. We know that Jesus commands us to live on mission, but we would rather gossip about others rather than witness to them.
Jesus gives Sardis and us a stern but gracious warning — turn your heart back to me. That’s the real problem here, our hearts. We once burned with zeal for the Lord when we came to know Him for the first time or had a powerful moment at camp. Since that time we’ve become complacent. The divide between our hearts and our hands has widened, because…well, our hearts aren’t pursuing the Lord anymore.
Jesus’ call for the church of Sardis is the same for you — turn back to Him today. His grace is sufficient to cover for your failings, and His Spirit is strong enough to help you follow Him. It simply takes repentance and faith. Run after Him, and long for the day He announces your name before your Heavenly Father (v5).
Written By: Joe Weaver
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