Buy Gold Refined by Fire - Benefiting From Reproof and Discipline

Benefiting From Reproof and Discipline

Let us return to the Laodiceans.  How will they respond to the severe counsel from Jesus? Should they be disheartened and felt that Jesus no longer wants them as his followers?  No, that is not the case at all.  The message goes on to say:  "All those for whom I have affection I reprove and discipline.  Therefore be zealous and repent." (Revelation 3:19)  As with discipline from Jehovah, Jesus' discipline is a sign of his love.  (Hebrews 12:4-7) The Laodicean congregation should take advantage of his affectionate concern and apply his counsel.  They should repent, recognizing that their lukewarmness amounts to sinning.  (Hebrews 3:12, 13; James 4:17) Let their elders put materialistic ways behind them and "stir up like a fire" the gift they have from God.  With the spiritual eye salve taking effect, let all in the congregation find refreshment as from a cooling draft of cold spring water. - 2 Timothy 1:6; Proverbs 3:5-8; Luke 21:34.

What of us today?  Jesus continues to 'love his own that  are in the world.'  This he will do "all the days until the conclusion of the system of things."  (John 13:1; Matthew 2:20)  His love and affection are displayed through the modern-day John class and the stars, or elders, in the Christians congregation.  (Revelation 1:20)  In these very trying times, the elders are deeply interested in helping all of us, old and young, to keep resisting the independence, the materialistic greed, and the immoral filth of the world.  If we receive strong counsel or discipline at times, remember that "the reproofs of discipline are the way of life."  (Proverbs 6:23) All of us are imperfect and should be zealous to repent as necessary so that we may be readjusted and remain in God's love. -2 Corinthians 13:11.

We must not allow materialism, riches or the lack of riches to make us lukewarm.  Wealth can aid in opening up new possibilities of service,but it can also be dangerous.  (Matthew 19:24) A well-to-do person may feel that he does not need to be zealous in the preaching work as others, provided that he makes sizable donations from time to time.  Or he may feel that being wealthy entitles him to favors.  Additionally, there are many pleasures and pastimes open to a wealthy person that others cannot afford.  But those diversions  take up time and draw the unwary away from the Christian ministry, thus making the indiscreet one lukewarm.  May we avoid all such snares and keep "working hard and exerting ourselves" wholeheartedly, with everlasting life in view. -1 Timothy 4:8-10; 6:9-12.

Next time: Buy Gold Refined by Fire - 'Taking the Evening Meal'

From the Book of Revelation