Correction from God

Revelation 2 and 3     Eric Boberg

When I read the list of the Churches along with their strengths and faults it somehow feels very current.

We can all probably think of Christian churches we have visited, where we say, "I like much of their ministry and what they are doing but I think they are really missing it on these particular points." We might make a similar statement about our friends and family. "Yes they have many good qualities but I think they might be limited by such and such flaws." We should hope it's not just a matter of being critical of others to elevate our own positions or doctrines. That would be the wrong track. But if  we truly have no axe to grind and we measure ministries and lifestyles by scripture and not the culture or our own personal preferences, we might get somewhat close to the truth. Sadly even if we arrive at that informed position of understanding about others and other churches, there is still little room for big improvement. We probably can't improve the churches we visit or are part of all that much (unless it is by leaving...Ha!). And if we are wise, we won't try to improve our friends or spouses without laying a foundation of prayer and love as led by the Holy Spirit.

But in one area of our lives there is still much room for improvement. It has to do with us and our personal interaction with God. Try writing your own letter from God to yourself in the same type of voice that the Spirit addresses these Churches in Revelation. Start with 4 or 5 areas where you think you have been doing ok. Things you have felt the blessing of God on and where you have felt His love and encouragement. Doctrines you hold to that you know are good and true and pure. And make sure to thank God for these things, because if you arrived at these good and happy positions, it was by the Spirit of God and his grace. Then go to those areas where you know you are needing improvement or repentance. If you have been paying attention, the Spirit of God has been pointing out these areas over the years. If we are truly honest with ourselves this could potentially be depressing. But take heart when you consider the Laodician church. Some of the most convicting words in all of scripture are directed to the church at Laodicea. He doesn't even bother to mention their good points. He gets right to the bad stuff.

15  I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, I am about to spit you out of my mouth.

But what I find very encouraging is this, a few sentences later:

19 Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent.

This thought is also echoed in Hebrews, 12:6:

"For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he punishes every son he accepts."

So here at the end of Revelation 3, the strongest rebuke is also paired with the strongest encouragement. Don't be disheartened if you feel God is being hard on you; it simply proves that he loves you. Repent and walk in the sunshine. It always seems to me that my friends who are growing the most in Christ are those who are the most sensitive to their own flaws and to God's discipline. May we all be of that mind - if not now, then eventually.