‘These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.” Revelation 3:1
The verse above is a letter to the church in Sardis. Sardis was a city in the province of Asia, in the region of the Roman Empire, the capital city of the ancient kingdom Lydia. This city became the center traffic of important trades in minor Asia. Sardis had abundant water source and mineral resources and its location was very strategic, brining trade benefits, gold and wool. Its location was on a mountain slope, surrounded with corral cliff, making this location secure and comfortable.
In Sardis, the people of God lived in a secure and comfortable condition. There were no false prophets and no persecution. Everything was well. They were prosperous and blessed. Isn’t this kind condition is the one the people are dreaming nowadays? But the Lord actually rebuked and harshly criticized this church. They felt like they had a good relationship with the Lord, but they actually few further from Him.
What must the church in Sardis do? First, they must have a spirit that lives. “Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die” Revelation 3:2a. Naturally, the church in Sardis seemed alive and active and was known to have good success and spiritual life. But the Lord said their spirit has died. Being active and busy with ministry does not mean your spirit is alive. It’s because it’s often done as an obligation or habit.
Is our spirit these days still on fire with the Lord or is it just normal? Every day, every moment, we need to keep communicating with Him. Maintaining an intimate relationship with the Lord will make someone’s spirit stay alive. To maintain our spirituality, we must have the lifestyle of prayer, praise, worship, as well as reading the word of God.
Second, they must finish the work of the Lord well. “… for I have not found your works perfect before God” Revelation 3:2b. Spirituality that is almost dead made none of the work of the church in Sardis perfect in His eyes. The word perfect does not mean quality without any defects, but it means finished or complete. Work speaks about love, faith, ministry and diligence.
Third, they must be watchful. “Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you.” Revelation 3:3. The church in Sardis was no diligent in following the Lord. One thing that we must remember that everyone has to be watchful, and keep being diligent with what has been taught. Live in represents and keep doing the Lord’s will, as if Christ is coming this very night!
Let the example of the church in Sardis be a blessing for us the church in the end times. Let us keep being n fire and always live in the Lord. God bless.
Source: Article from GBI Gatot Subroto, Jakarta