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, at the same time, 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)
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 see and choose God for themselves. Sardis, like us, was to play a critical role in Jesus’ redemption plan, inviting and drawing people into the kingdom of God. But unfortunately, these needs were not being fulfilled.
Throughout His word, the Bible, God emphasizes several righteous acts we can perform: caring for the poor, helping widows and orphans, building up new disciples, spreading the good news of His kingdom to the lost and lonely, visiting the sick, the lonely, or the 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 any of Jesus’ wishes or instructions. They were well on their way to becoming a dead church, as reflected by dead works. We can only speculate on what was motivating them – perhaps a focus on making themselves look good to the outside world, rather than in the eyes of God?
The temptation to turn away from God’s direction to follow our own ways comes to all of us. It can begin in a slow, cunning, and quiet manner. Prioritizing comfort and habit, personal 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 today. He is good and deserving of our best energies. His blessings, bounty, and favor are without limit to those who seek Him, and desire to serve and obey this loving Savior.
Reflection
None of us is immune from getting off track in God’s will for our lives. It is so easy to find ourselves inactive in the things that are important to the Lord.
One thing we can do to help is to make time for prayer and meditation with Him. We can then ask ourselves, “How do my acts and deeds reflect the Lord’s merciful and forgiving heart? Where have I dropped the ball in my spiritual life? How can I get back on track with God’s plan for my life today?” The church at Sardis would certainly have benefited from such self-examination, and we will benefit, as well.
May our time with the Lord 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.
Therefore, since we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1 (HCSB)
Have a blessed and beautiful day in the Lord today.
Times and Seasons - The Book of Revelation FOR TODAY 