Christ is the Measure

“And to the angel (messenger) of the assembly (church) in Sardis write: These are the words of Him Who has the seven Spirits of God [[a]the sevenfold Holy Spirit] and the seven stars: I know your record and what you are doing; you are supposed to be alive, but [in reality] you are dead.” (Revelation 3:1)

As a Christian is it possible to be part of the Body of Christ and yet be dead? Well let’s take a look at the Church of Sardis as an example.

This Church certainly had a reputation for activities when measured by human standard. Jesus said they were reputable by man’s standard but to Christ they were DEAD. This is one of the most subtle strategies of the devil, getting us full of religious activities without Christ in it! Any time we use wrong measure to determine who we are, or measure our worth the end result is deception. Wrong input equals wrong result.

Making it relevant to the season we are in now, how many people are busy with Christmas shopping and activities and yet no time for the Lord of Christmas?  In their hearts Christ does not stand a chance.  How many Churches and leaders are preoccupied with Church programs and activities and yet, Jesus is not welcomed in their Churches, yet  their activities are tagged with Christ?

The first thing to notice about the Church of Sardis is the Measure used in measuring their worth. Gaining men’s attention was more important than getting God’s approval. Whenever we seek to belong, our focus is shifted from Christ to man. And either way there is a harvest to be reaped.

“Do not be deceived and deluded and misled; God will not allow Himself to be sneered at (scorned, disdained, or mocked by mere pretensions or professions, or by His precepts being set aside.) [He inevitably deludes himself who attempts to delude God.] For whatever a man sows, that and that only is what he will reap. For he who sows to his own flesh (lower nature, sensuality) will from the flesh reap decay and ruin and destruction, but he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.” (Galatians 6:7-8)

So, as we go about our activities today, lets pause and ask who are we trying to please? As you go about preparing for the Christmas celebration, buying gifts, wrapping presents, making plans for family, loved ones and social activities to go with the occasion, how much of it is Christ lead? Who is at the centre of it all, is it Christ or self?

Let us remember that Jesus is the reason for the season. Let us open our hearts and let Him be Lord of it all in every area of our life. Let us not get weary in serving the Lord, the same Bible tells us we will reap a beautiful harvest if we don’t quit.  “And let us not lose heart and grow weary and  faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint.” (Galatians 6:9)

And Perhaps you are reading this and you do not know Jesus Christ, today is an opportunity for you to receive Him into your life as your Savior and Lord. He is also the greatest friend you can ever have! If this is your desire, please say this prayer now:

Jesus, come into my life. Forgive me of all my sins. I ask You to cleanse my heart, and make me a brand new person in you right now. I believe that You are the Son of God and that You died on the cross for me. Jesus I want to thank You for loving me enough to die for me. I accept all that your shed blood bought for me on the cross, and I receive You now as my Savior and Lord. I ask in Your name, Jesus. Amen.

If you prayed this prayer, please contact me and let me know. I will like to support you in your spiritual walk with Christ, if you have any prayer need you can also share it with me, I will love to lift your needs before God in prayer. You can contact me via the blog or email me at houseofprayeroutreach@gmail.com.

Much love ~ Praying you have a restful and blessed weekend!

Shade