"You Say: 'I Am Rich' "

What really is the root of the Laodiceans' problem? We get a good idea from Jesus' next words: "Because you say: 'I am rich and have acquired riches and do not need anything at all,' but you do not know you are miserable and pitiable and poor and blind and naked." (Revelation 3:17; compare Luke 12:16-21.) Living in a wealthy city, they feel confident because of their riches. Likely, their way of life has been affected by the stadium, theaters and gymnasiums, so that they have become "lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God." (2Timothy 3:4) But the materially rich Laodiceans are impoverished spiritually. They have few, if any, 'treasures stored up in haven.' (Matthew 6:19-21) They have not kept their eye simple, giving first place in their lives to God's Kingdom. They are really in darkness, blind, with not spiritual vision. (Matthew 6:22, 23, 33) Moreover, in spite of the fine garments that their material wealth may have purchased, in Jesus' eyes they are naked. they have not spiritual garments to identify them as Christians.-Compare Revelation 16:15.

What a shocking condition! But do we not often see a similar situation nowadays? What it the root cause? It is a self-confident attitude that springs from reliance upon material possessions and human resources. Like Christendom's churchgoers, some of Jehovah's people have deceived themselves, thinking that they can please God by merely attending meetings occasionally. They try to get by as merely token "doers of the word." (James 1:22) Despite repeated warnings from the John class, they set their hearts on stylish clothes, cars, homes and on life centered on recreation and pleasure. (1Timothy 6:9, 10; 1John 2:15-17) All of this results in a dulling of spiritual perception. (Hebrews 5:11, 12) Instead of being listlessly lukewarm, they need to rekindle "the fire of the spirit" and show refreshing eagerness to p"preach the word." -1Thessalonians 5:19; 2 Timothy 4:2, 5.

How does Jesus regard lukewarm Christians? His candid words should jolt them: "You do not know your are miserable and pitiable and poor and blind and naked." Their consciences are numbered to the point that they do not even realize their appalling state. (Compare Proverbs 16:2; 21:2.) This serious condition in the congregation cannot be lightly brushed aside. By setting fine example of zeal and by shepherding in love, elders and others assigned by them may be able to awaken these straying "sheep" to their former joy of wholehearted service.-Luke 15:3-7.

Next time: Counsel On 'Becoming Rich.'