By God’s grace, my family has few financial worries. We have everything we need, and most everything we want. This frightens me, because it sounds exactly like the church in Laodicea. They said, “I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!” But Jesus replied, “And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked” (Revelation 3:17).
The city of Laodicea had booming banking, textile, and medical industries. The one thing it didn’t have was water. Its neighbor to the south, Colossae, had springs of refreshing, cold water, and its neighbor to the north, Hierapolis, was famous for its hot baths. Laodicea piped steaming water from Hierapolis, but by the time it arrived it had cooled to room temperature. People loved the chilled water in Colossae and the hot springs of Hierapolis, but the tepid water of Laodicea made them want to spit it out.
Jesus felt the same way about the church’s works—works and ways that were left wanting (Revelation 3:15-16). He wished they were either hot or cold, for each is refreshing in its own way. But because they were neither, they didn’t refresh anyone, including our Lord. Jesus said that when “even a cup of cold water” is given to “the least of my followers” is actually offered to Him (Matthew 10:42, Matthew 25:40).
Neither the Laodiceans nor my family are as well off as we think. Jesus says we need His gold to be rich, His white garments to be clothed, and His eye salve so we can really see (Revelation 3:18). True wealth comes from God. May we share it with those around us who desperately need it. And may we do it in refreshing and generous ways as He allows!
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Matthew 14:13-36
More:
Read Proverbs 19:1-17and consider why helping the poor is “lending to the LORD.”
Next:
Who needs your help or encouragement today? How can you give your best to them and to God?
Gary Shultz on July 17, 2015 at 6:10 am
Strange, I was just thinking, if the lukewarm title may be placed on us too…. I am glad your cash flow has been blessed, and as you, I am not wealthy, but not in need and we often overlook God’s blessings. Any good relationship takes work. I try to work at being thankful, regardless of my surroundings and culture. I think being thankful is a gift to God, others and also a very big one to ourselves. Understanding how we are blessed motivates us to reproduce that towards others. Thanks
Mike Wittmer on July 17, 2015 at 8:50 am
I think it’s hard to pray when we don’t feel a pressing need. In those times, I think we should thank God that all of our needs are met, and ask him for a chance to share our wealth with others. It also helps to realize that life and our economies are fragile, and that none of us are safe from a bad report from the doctor or a downsizing at work.
Ruth O'reilly-smith on July 18, 2015 at 11:52 am
Jesus warns that, “it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!” I agree Mike, it’s when we lack for nothing, that we should be on our guard and humbly ask the Lord to show us how we can use what we have to help others. No matter how blessed we are, we are always in need of God’s grace and mercy.