“Go back to what you heard and believed at first; hold to it firmly and turn to me again.” Revelation 3:3
What type of reputation do you have? Would you prefer to have a good reputation or character? Do you know the difference between the two? Your reputation is what you want people to portray you as on the outside. Character is what is on the inside; I have always said character is what you do when no one is around. Our fifth church gives us a prime example of the two.
“Write this letter to the angel of the church in Sardis. This is the message from the one who has the sevenfold Spirit of God and the seven stars.” Revelation 3:1
“I know all the things you do” Revelation 3:1 I know that you have a reputation for being alive but you are the complete opposite, you are dead! So wake up now! Strengthen what little remains because even the little that does remain is near the point of death. Your deeds, they are far from right in the sight of God. It might look good to people but what does the Lord see? And we all know what are true intentions and motives are!
Sardis had the reputation of being alive on the outside but there character was spiritually dead. How often we see this in our own lives, we get up every morning go to our closet and pick the type of reputation we want to put on for that day. We put it on then take it in front of a mirror fix it up and make it as best looking and presentable as possible and then off we go. Out to present it to the world. However the whole time we spent on our reputation we have forgotten about the one that really matters the most, the inside, our character. Little do we know that when we neglect to take care of our character on the inside it starts to show through our reputation on the outside, even through all the primping and pampering we did.
We as humans can be easily fooled but the Lord cannot be fooled. He sees through to the very core. Just as the Lord warns Sardis we too are being warned! “Go back to what you heard and believed at first; hold to it firmly and turn to me again. Unless you do, I will come upon you suddenly, as unexpected as a thief.” Revelation 3:3
The Lord tells Samuel, “People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the person’s thoughts and intentions.” 1 Samuel 16:7 He told us that again when He was speaking to the church of Thyatira. Are you getting the message?
For those of you in Sardis who have not soiled your garments with evil deeds, let me tell you what your reward and my promise to you will be. You will walk with me in white, for you are worthy. And all of you who are victorious will be clothed in white. Your names will never be erased from the Book of Life, and I will announce before my Father and his angels that you are mine!
Wow, who in the world would refuse such a promise and reward? Are you? Turn around and go back, clean out your closet and replace it with the new wardrobe of character qualities of Jesus Christ! He has already paid for them; all you have to do is pick them up and put them on!
“Anyone who is willing to hear should listen to the Spirit and understand what the Spirit is saying to the churches.” Revelation 3:6
Jesus help us to apply and take advantage of the warnings and discipline You are giving us. May we use them to become better and to reflect Your very character. Amen
