We are saved by God’s grace, through faith in Jesus Christ. Our deeds cannot get us into heaven. The apostle Paul made this very clear in the letter to the Ephesians:
8 For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift— 9 not from works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 (HCSB)
Yet, our righteous deeds are very important to the Lord. Paul emphasizes this in the very next verse:
10 For we are His creation, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 (HSB)
In His message to the church at Sardis in the book of Revelation, Jesus placed particular emphasis on the incompleteness of their works.
1 “Write to the angel of the church in Sardis:
“The One who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars says: I know your works; you have a reputation for being alive, but you are dead. 2 Be alert and strengthen what remains, which is about to die, for I have not found your works complete before My God. 3 Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; keep it, and repent. But if you are not alert, I will come like a thief, and you have no idea at what hour I will come against you. Revelation 3:1-3 (HCSB)
Christ had several things He wanted the church at Sardis to do. They were to play an important role in His redemption plan, inviting the people of their area into the kingdom of God. But these acts were not fulfilled.
What sorts of things were the people of the church of Sardis supposed to be doing? Actions that reflect the loving, merciful, and forgiving heart of God. Acts that apply His kingdom principles to the lives of others who might then choose God in return.
These acts might include caring for the poor, helping widows and orphans, making new disciples, and spreading the good news of His kingdom to the lost and lonely. Visiting the sick, lonely, or imprisoned. Filling a food pantry for the needy. Sitting with a grieving friend. Forgiving others. Showing a tender heart of support and fellowship in times of need.
The worshipers at Sardis were not paying heed to Jesus’ wishes and instructions. They were on their way to becoming a dead church, reflected by dead works. We can only speculate what was or was not happening there – perhaps a focus on making themselves look good to the outside world rather than to God?
The temptation to turn away from God’s direction and to follow our own can come to all of us, starting in a slow, cunning, and quiet manner. Ingredients such as comfort and habit, reputation, pride, selfishness, fear, and even laziness can lead us to rest on the laurels of our past achievements with God. Jesus is saying to all the churches, and to us, “Wake Up! I still have much for you to do, for Me and for the kingdom of God.”
Let each of us who has ears hear Him! He is good, and deserving of our best energies today.
Reflection
None of us is immune from getting off track of God’s will in our lives. We can make the time for a session of prayer and meditation, “How do my acts reflect His merciful and forgiving heart? Where have I dropped the ball? What can I change? How can I get back on track with God’s plan for my life today?” May it be a fruitful and joyful session for all of us.
Let’s pray,
Lord, I want to reflect Your goodness and mercy with all of my actions. Forgive me for the times I have fallen short and help me to make amends for my failures. Show me how I can get back to doing Your will and help me to be pleasing to You today. We ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Have a blessed and beautiful day in the Lord today.
Times and Seasons - The Book of Revelation FOR TODAY 