(Click on the link to read the verses.)
Both the message to the church in Sardis and Philadelphia begin with the same four words.
"I know your works"-vs. 1 and 8
The message to the church of Sardis goes on to say, "You have a reputation for being alive, but you are dead." These words reveal the heart of their work. The believers at Sardis were working, and from the outside it looked good... even holy. But the message calls their work incomplete. I've been there myself at times. Doing good for the sake of looking good. Going to church, saying the right words, and looking the part may convince others we are doing good work, but it doesn't convince God. God sees into the heart of the matter.
Philadelphia receives a different message. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. A church patiently enduring difficulties, obeying His word. It doesn't seem like they had a reputation at all. Maybe even unaccepted in the place they served so faithfully. Believers with little power, and yet they keep on keeping on. They have kept the word and continue to claim the name of Jesus. God sees the heart of this as well.
Imagine God sending you a message in this moment. Imagine Him saying these four words...I know your works. What would He say next? What truly motivates the work you do? is it love for God? or the good reputation? What does God see when it comes to your heart?
Lord, I can't deny there are times I serve because it looks good... because it is what I'm supposed to do. Forgive me when I want to look alive for others. Show me the condition of my heart. Revive it...make it alive. May my only motivation be love for you. In Jesus name... amen.
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