The Result of Losing One's Compass

Reflections for this date are based on the following scripture passages:

Revelation 3

Another of the churches addressed in the early chapters of Revelation was the church in Sardis. This church had a reputation for being alive. But the church was put on notice that in reality it was dead. In what way was it dead? "I have not found your works complete before My God." (Verse 2) Whatever works they had been engaged in had not been completed. Works started but not completed are only activities. Was this why they had a reputation for being alive? They had started many works giving the impression of doing much and being alive. Andy yet, they had not completed what they started and were therefore not doing anything at all. It was as if there was a lot of excitement in the church but no substance. But excitement about what? Their reputation?

Another clue to the problem in this church is found in verse 3, "Remember therefore what you have received and heard; keep it, and repent." Instead of saying, "Don't forget," they were told, "Remember." They had already forgotten the word of truth they had received when they first came to Christ. Having forgotten, they were not being driven by the truth they had be given, but by other ideas. They had lost their compass and were lost.

There were some in the church, however, who had not left the truth and "defiled their clothes." Most likely, these people were not well regarded by the church at large. But this needed to change. And unless it did, the church was warned that, "I will come like a thief, and you have no idea at what hour I will come against you."