Revelation Chapter 3: Verse 1-3 (NIV)
To the angel of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God. Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.
The church in Sardis appeared at first glance to have a good reputation. It seemed to be doing well. Yet Jesus knew the truth. He saw beyond the mask, and told the church that it needed to get real and sort things out before it was too late. He gave them the people the opportunity to turn things around.
This passage got me thinking about how important we think our reputation is. Are we putting on a positive front but behind that brave face is everything not as it should be? Jesus knows the truth and offers us the opportunity to get real with Him and to sort things out. What’s more important to us – our reputation or our peace of mind? It takes a lot of energy to keep up a pretence which eventually could come crashing down with disastrous results. Far better to take the grace and mercy offered by Jesus to live an authentic life with His support.
Dear Lord,
I know I am guilty of putting on a face for others. Thank You for looking after the real me. Help me to be authentic in every aspect of my life. I pray in Jesus’ Name. Amen.