Keeping the Lights On
Most of us prefer to walk into a well lit room. When the light is off, it becomes difficult to judge where things are. It could even be dangerous. You may end up falling over a chair you didn't see right in front of you. Imagine how dangerous it could be to have the lights of your faith go out and not see the spiritual obstacles in front of you.
This short study is centered in Revelation 3:1-6
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Here's another thought. In the face of death, how would you react? If you were told you would die today, would you live today differently? If you were in your last moment, would you call out to God for mercy and hope that He will save you, or do you have the assurance that He is your God, that He knows you inside and out, that He loves you and He is your savior?
If we are to live our lives for Christ, we must start now. The people of the church of Sardis were dead in their walks with Christ. (The light had gone out and they were stumbling around in the darkness without even knowing it.) Many people who believe they are approaching death will change the way they act, talk, or view their relationship with God. They are trying to prepare for death as best they can, but, as believers, our walk with God should be consistent and grow stronger with time. Our words and actions should always be a reflection of Him in our lives, not a sudden change at the end of it. Becoming a Christian and following Christ isn’t something we do as we prepare for death, it’s a life change that should stick with us until we see Him at the gates.
If I live every day as Christ, putting Him first in all things and filling my mind with His word, it’s not quite as easy to find myself walking astray. We are told to be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain. If I am continually strengthen my walk and follow his daily plan for my life, how then can my spiritual light go out? Although I may not be perfect, Christ is. His presence in my life covers my imperfections it makes my works perfect before God.
““And to the angel of the church in Sardis write, ‘These things says He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars: “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God.”
It’s easy to get distracted by the world. Even something as simple as my daily routine can easily take me off course. Whether it be the laundry, dishes, cleaning, cooking, errands, job, or responsibilities of any kind... letting these things come first before Christ can easily become a habit. If I find myself walking away, or my focus has fixed on something of this world, I need to look back and remember His sacrifice for me. I need to be vigilant, awake, ready for whatever comes next, and solid in my knowledge of who my Savior is, in order to be prepared for the battles ahead. When the Lord returns for His church I want him to recognize me as one of his flock and not be left behind like a stranger.
Just as the angel of death passed over the doors of the Israelites who followed His directions and prepared for His coming, I want his mercy on my life. Like all good things, that requires commitment on my part. A fleeting decision to follow God is not enough. I need to hold onto all that I have learned and hold it tight. When the battles come there are days when it’s hard to remember where you stand and why, but my God is a light in the darkness and the more I learn about Him, the more I trust Him because I know his promises.
“Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you.”
It's important to be ready in season and out, not just to give an answer to every man for our faith, but also to answer to God when He comes for us. I pray today that you and I will be ready for the Lord's return and keep our lanterns lit in wait for Him. He has Promised to return and those who overcome shall be clothed in white garments. Be prepared Little Sparrows, for that day because only God knows when it is, but the signs of the time are all around us. Don't let the things of this world be distractions that keep us from filling our lanterns new every day and keeping our spiritual lights on.
“He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” ’”
Have a blessed day!