3 Bible Tips: Lessons From Laodicea
The apostle John recorded Jesus Christ's messages to seven churches in Revelation 2 and 3. After each message, everyone is told, "He who has an ear to hear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches" (Revelation 3:22). What can we learn from the last message?
1. Don't be lukewarm (indifferent, lacking in spiritual zeal).
"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" (Revelation 3:15-16).
2. Don't feel self-sufficient; look at it from God's perspective and see how much we need from Him.
"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" (Revelation 3:17-18).
3. Accept and act on God's correction. We should invite Him into our lives, and He will invite us to sit on His throne!
"I am the one who corrects and disciplines everyone I love. Be diligent and turn from your indifference. Look! Here I stand at the door and knock. If you hear me calling and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal as friends. I will invite everyone who is victorious to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne" (Revelation 3:19-21, New Living Translation).
To learn more about the lessons of Laodicea, see "The Message to Laodicea: Be Zealous and Repent."