Beyond the Weekend

January 24 | Laodicea’s Problem

January 24, 2017

Revelation 3.17-18

Nympha’s town of Laodicea was a financially affluent place with a growing church. But financial stability isn’t always a friend to faith. Decades after Paul sent greetings to Nympha, the Apostle John wrote these condemning words to this church, “You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked” (Revelation 3.17). They’d lost their passion for trusting God and replaced it with independent self-assurance.

As our wealth grows, our Spiritual growth can decline. When we have everything we need, our dependence on God diminishes. Material trust replaces spiritual trust. While it’s wise to save up, there’s a danger of over-dependence on those savings instead of on the promises of God.

Paul writes to Timothy to warn wealthy people their treasure in this world is uncertain (1 Timothy 6.17).  Jesus said, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth…but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal” (Matthew 6.19-20).

Compared to the rest of the world, Americans are affluent. God’s warning in today’s Scripture is to those who have become spiritually poor, blind, and naked due to their confidence in earthly treasure. As you spend time with God today, ask him to reveal your heart. Read Revelation 3.17-18 and then journal a response based on what you see in your own life.

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