Revelation 3:16-

As we look at this church in Sardis, we are reminded that Jesus sees and knows everything - even the things we might hide from others.

The church had a reputation for being alive and on fire for the gospel, but Jesus knew that deep down they were faking it. They reflected the place in which they lived in that they thought they were impenetrable like the city on the cliff.

We can fall into the same trap. Do we really meet up to our reputation? Or under the surface are we just as dead and stagnant as Jesus knew Sardis was? Here is a challenge for us - make sure we are not concerned about our outward reputation but more concerned with our inward apathy and spiritual health.

It's clear that the church had stopped trusting, but still appeared genuine. Jesus called them back. It seemed like they had compromised their love for Jesus with other loves, be it wealth or status, or something else.

It seems like there were a few who Jesus knew were worthy of His name. There were some who hadn't compromised and still gave their all for Him. But the others had become complacent.

Everything might appear to be going so well, but we must ask ourselves "Are we loving Jesus first?". Think about what things we might be trusting in first before God. Wake up! If there are those things we must act now. There is still time to do something. Jesus says in verse 3 that there is still a chance to repent, otherwise the consequences will come when you least expect them. Jesus is clear that claiming to stand for His name but actually being complacent will result in Him standing against Him.

Sometimes we can be stuck in this attitude without realising it. But the warning signs are there. Keep vigilant to spot them and act before it's too late. Remember the gospel you received, grab hold of it's truth and secure yourself in it with no compromise. Then repent. Acknowledge the sin and turn to Christ and Him alone.

Those who were faithful in Sardis had the assurance of Jesus who would walk with them and cause them to walk like Him, against the flow of the world around them. Walking this way gives God such joy! If we fix our focus on Jesus and walk towards Him despite those around us we cannot we turned aside.