Devotion for August 21, 2008

The Laodicean Factor

And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’ ——and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked—— I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, [that] the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. 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 dine with him, and he with Me. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’” (Revelation 3:14-22 NKJV)

Two things make this church stand out more than all the rest. They are lukewarm and they don’t know it. In their opinion they are rich and have need of nothing, but in reality they are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked!

Oh how self-deception plagues the people of God. Individuals and whole churches see themselves much differently than the Lord sees them. Men are prone to look into the mirror and immediately forget what manner of men they are (James 1:23-24).

The Word of God is the mirror and when looked at it reflects one’s imperfections. Men don’t like to see their flaws so they often don’t look, and when they do look they ignore what they have seen in deference to their manufactured facade.

However, believers should look carefully and heed what they hear. Everyone has weaknesses and blind spots. Ignoring one’s sin paves the way for future sin. Should this cycle continue long enough, the so-called believer will fall victim to the Laodicean Factor finding himself rejected by the Lord, having been spit out of His mouth like a bad taste.

My dear friends humble yourself today, and allow the Word to speak to your flaws. You might fool the world, those at work, maybe even your family, but you will never fool God. So what if you gain the whole world and lose your own soul? God knows how wicked you are already; He knows what is in the heart of man. Let your revealed wickedness drive you to the mercy seat of Christ. There you will find peace with God, and peace with self.