Chapter Thirteen/Gold Refined by Fire

"You Say: 'I Am Rich' "

What really is the root of the Laodiceans'  problem?  We get a good idea from Jesus 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."  (2 Timothy 3:4) But the materially rich Laodiceans are impoverished spiritually.  They have few, if any 'treasures stored  up in heaven.  (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 no spiritual vision.  (Matthew 6:22, 23, 33)  Moreover, in spite of the fine garments that their material wealth have purchased, in Jesus' eyes they are naked. They have no spiritual garments to identify them as Christians.-Compare Revelation 16:15. 

What  shocking condition!  But do we not often see a similar condition nowadays?  What is 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, and homes, and on  a life centered on recreation and pleasure.  (1 Timothy 6:9, 10; 1 John 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 "preach the word." -1 Thessalonians 5:19; 2 Timothy 4:2, 5. 

How does Jesus regard lukewarm Christians?  His candid works should jolt them:  "You  do not know you are miserable and pitiable and poor and blind and naked."   Their consciences are numbed 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 a 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: Chapter Thirteen/Gold Refined by Fire - Counsel on 'Becoming Rich'

From the book of Revelation