Unspirited Church Rev 3:14-22
A church that has fallen into a state of apathy- no longer inspired or motivated; half-hearted and self-satisfied; uninterested. How did this happen? It wasn’t lack or poverty that brought this about but riches. Hear what the LORD said about the church in Laodicea, “For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing…” Rev 3:17. This is how they became lukewarm. In that state the church is no longer useful. So, it will be spued out says the LORD.
- The delusion of riches: Riches have a way of making us dull towards the things of God. The problem is not in riches itself but in the nature of man. Man always seeks independence. He wants to be all and self- sufficient, which is pride and idolatry. Riches promise and lure us into that state of all sufficiency where we can say, ‘we don’t need anything’. This is the great pit dug for those who are caught in this trap- You will become all-sufficient- needing nothing. The church in Sardis was caught by this web. Are you already in that state? There is still hope for you if you will retrace your step.
Whereas the church thought it was rich and needing nothing, the LORD said it was wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked. What a pitiable state it was. It is like an Ostrich that buries its head in the sand thinking its whole body is hidden. Riches can never get us to the point where we do not need anything. We will always need God and we will always need others.
God created us to be dependent and in fellowship with others. Trying to live outside this sphere is delusional. Pursuing independence through riches is a tragedy.
- Implications of lukewarmness: A church as the Laodicean church in its lukewarm state because of its riches becomes self-satisfied, unmotivated or uninspired. Such a church takes things easy and is no more zealous. Its devotion is casual and lacking passion. When we think money can solve all problems, we fall into a state where we do not seek God fervently. It doesn’t mean we don’t pray its just that our prayer is not earnest. It is just to register the prayer but our hearts are not in it because we already know what we will do. There is no waiting on God or tarrying to see His hand work in our circumstances. We are quick to resolve issues because we have the means. This is a real danger. When faith in God is substituted by riches, then the foundation of our union with Him is cracking.
Someone may say but is it wrong to have plenty money? Listen to Jesus, what He said to his disciples, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God” Mk 10:25. Is it impossible for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God? It is possible but it is difficult. Such must learn not to trust in uncertain riches by putting their trust in God. Such must become rich toward God by investing in the Kingdom of God still trusting Him. The rich young ruler is an example for anyone who loves and pursues riches, to let it go in exchange for the Kingdom is always too costly. It may be easy to say “Not me, I won’t be like that” when you are not rich. Let us beware of the danger and the delusion of riches.
Have you fallen into apathy? Are you now unmoved and nonchalant because of riches or any other reason, the LORD says to you, Repent and be Zealous. May you receive the grace to do so. Amen
This ends our study of the Six Sevens of Revelation. See previous articles to connect with this study if you are just joining. Next is Seven Miseries.