False Reputation Rev 3:1-6
We encounter a church that had no general commendation from the LORD. What a pity? How did Christ church fall into such a state? The assessment of God was completely opposite what the church thought of itself and people considered it to be.
- ‘Living’ but dead: People thought and called this church a ‘living’ church. What were the reasons for this conclusion? There are many possible reasons but let us consider a few:
- Growth: By human assessment, a church is ‘living’ if it is growing. Its life is judged by its size in terms of large membership and spread- many ‘daughter’ churches. From where we stand today, it is true that not many seek God for who He is but what He can do for them. It was the same in the days of the LORD Jesus Himself. The moment the people began to hear very hard words and their expectations to make Christ King so He would permanently solve all their problems failed, they went back. The number reduced to the twelve! Why is church comfortable for many today? Many have the hope that one day their issues will be addressed so they are always present. Church in many cases are centered around the needs of people. God has become a servant-God-who is there to help one get along. If worship boils down to Christ-centeredness, righteousness and holiness, obedience and serving others, will there be many who remain?
- Health: A church that is rich-having more than enough will be considered a living church. Members are doing well and the church is not lacking in resources. Church can become a business school, where members are taught how to succeed in the market place. The source of wealth may not be questioned as long as members lay it at the ‘altar’. It is believed that whatever is laid at the ‘altar’ is sanctified. Some even believed that whatever is done to make money is right as long as a good portion is brought to church.
- Impact: A little step forward above church well-being is her impact in the community. A church that is ‘blessed’ as this, may choose to do some good works in the community by which its reputation in the community is enhanced. When people feel the impact of one’s success, he is considered alive.
But how does Christ see this church? Does it matter to Him who is the central figure of worship? Does it matter how church’s wealth is derived?
- Dead: When the LORD said this church was dead, why did He say so and what are the indications that a church is dead? A dead man- a corpse is insensitive. It cannot feel, sense or discern what is happening to him or around him. Therefore the admonition to ‘watch’ was given twice. A church that is insensitive and undiscerning of what the Spirit is saying, not critical of its own ways, not diligent in searching the Scriptures to align practices with the truth of God is dead. What we say of the church as a whole in any location is true of the individuals that make it up. And it is true of us as individual believers.
But what are the effects of a church is dead?
- Disobedience– Like Adam and Eve, their death was made certain by their disobedience to the command of God. It was not a perceptible death at the moment of disobedience but it began to grow until they returned to dust. Therefore, the first foundation of death in a church is when it begins to neglect the truth of God and even disobey it. Where the Word of God is cast aside, the life of God cannot flow. While some activities may continue to be visible, yet the source of true life has been cut off.
- Lack of love– He that loveth not his brother abideth in death 1 Jn 3:14. The love here is such that ‘lays down his life’ 1 Jn 3:16 for his brother. It does not shut his bowels to the need of the brethren. It is not love that is merely in words and tongues but in truth. When this is abandoned and we become self-consumed, we are really dead. The spirit of independence, no matter the garment it wears is not of the Spirit but of the wicked one. Whatever does not unite and make us walk as family is not the Spirit of Christ. It is a lie of the Devil- and many have bought into it.
- Not walking in the Spirit– When we refuse to walk in the Spirit, we are immediately resourced by the power of the flesh. And the works of the flesh are adultery, fornication, uncleanness… This is the reason the LORD commended the few who had not defiled themselves in the church in Sardis. Most had been defiled. They no longer walked according to the Spirit of Righteousness and Holiness. The very image of God is no longer sustained in them, therefore they are dead. How are we faring ourselves? Are we any better than the church in Sardis?
The call is to watch. Repent and be alert and vigilant in prayer and the Word of God. Living is not just about excitement and funfair- church is definitely not defined by these. Are you dead thinking you are alive? Watch!