SARDIS

Mar 10
3 min read

There’s this Scripture in the Bible where Jesus asked His disciples “Who do men say I, the Son of Man, am?” Then some said “John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said okay “but who do you say that I am?” (Matthew‬ ‭16‬:‭13‬-‭15). I love that Scripture because it helps me understand that perspective matters. People have their perspectives of you but the most important perspective is God’s. Who does God say you are? Most of us are seen outside as very spiritual, very prayerful, very powerful, but inside, we are dead. I repeat, there is a way people see you and there’s a way God sees you. Do not let the way men see you cloud your memory to the extent that you don’t care how God sees you.

In nursing, reflection is part of our duty. We are obliged to constantly reflect on ourselves, the care we give, what we could do better, what not to do again. And these things help you understand yourself better. In our Christian journey, this is what we have to do. You need to sit and sometimes ask yourself, “How does God see me? Am I walking in the right direction? Am I pleasing God or pleasing men? What am I doing right or what am I doing wrong?” Without reflection and checking in with God, you may live a questionable life and think it is right. This is what happened to the church of Sardis. Revelation 3:1 talks about this church and it says “you have a reputation for being alive—but you are dead.” Dead? Like how? I lead my church! I pay my tithe! I am always there on Sunday! In fact I have read the whole Bible 4 times!

Being dead doesn’t mean physical death but spiritually. Death means no dependence on the Spirit, no transformation, no impact. The Holy Spirit convicts, directs and transforms us. The moment you start ignoring the Holy Spirit and live in sin, you die. Would it not be sad to do all of this, but God will say at the end of it all, “I never knew you!”(Matthew 7:23). How would that feel? God, it’s me, Sarah, Your daughter! Then He will say all that you did on Earth was a movie, you played that part very well but in that movie I was never the director nor the producer! That was all you. A heart breaking moment!

Today’s message is simple: “Wake up! Strengthen what little remains, for even what is left is almost dead. I find that your actions do not meet the requirements of my God. Go back to what you heard and believed at first; hold to it firmly. Repent and turn to me again. If you don’t wake up, I will come to you suddenly, as unexpected as a thief” (Revelation 3:3). There is still hope. That’s why God is just awesome because His hands are always open to receive anyone who comes to Him. That’s why “His mercies are new every morning” (Lamentations 3:23). Everyday He gives you the opportunity to come back to Him, so take that opportunity. You are not too far gone! God is still here for you. Build that fire back up. Let your outward work reflect your inward work. Take the step and ask God “Who do You say I am?” and let His mercies bring you back on track.

Prayer: God, we thank You for Your mercies. We thank You for being there always. We pray that the life we live here on Earth will not be in vain but will reflect what You have in mind for us. May we not be distracted by this world. Have mercy on any dead spirit and bring us back alive in Jesus’ name. We thank You Lord, Amen.