Compromise Or Faithfulness
BRD REFLECTION 2025
Revelation 2 and Psalm 122 (NIV)
(Joshua Lim from Small Group Ministry)
READ:
Revelation 2 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
Revelation 2 accounts for 4 out of the 7 letters to the 7 early Christian churches. John relays our Lord’s messages of commendation and condemnation to the churches in light of the problems faced by these churches: apathy towards idol worship and cults ( vv 14-15, v20), sexual immorality (v14, vv20-21), eating ritual meals (v14, v20), and faithfulness amid heavy persecution from the Romans and Jews (vv9-10). However, a consistent message can be noted: hold fast in faith (v7, v11, v17, vv26-28) and conquerors in faith will be rewarded with eternal salvation (v10).
APPLY:
Today’s reflection on the early churches led me to think of how similar are the problems in today’s churches. Instead of apathy towards idol worship and cults, our apathy lies in prioritising the pursuit of self-promotion instead of sacrificing for others in love.
Regarding sexual immorality, do we hide our shame or self-gratification, or do we work with a trusted brother/sister in-Christ to combat every evil thought?
Are we prayerful, prepared and faithful in sharing about our faith? Or are we silent, unequipped and afraid of rejection?
Like the early churches and today’s churches, I am constantly placed in a position to choose between compromise and faithfulness. I want to persevere and live a faith that is active, and I know that I have an entire Christian community alongside me on my faith journey.
I have a responsibility to be salt and light in this world, so that others can be inspired by the light of Christ to understand this Jesus Story and be drawn by the love of the Christian community I’m inviting them into.
DO:
- Constantly reflect on my faith journey during my daily devotions, so that I may repent if I have compromised, and persevere when I am tested.
- Just as John spoke to the churches as the Lord’s mouthpiece, I ask for God to continue providing faithful and loving brothers- and sisters-in-Christ to edify or rebuke me in my faith journey.
PRAY:
Heavenly Father, I thank You for reminding me that my faithfulness will be rewarded with a crown of life. While that reward may seem far away, I know that You are patient and that You will inspire the same patience in this race I’m running. Forgive me for the times I have compromised my faith and I seekYour provision of brothers- and sisters-in-Christ to spur me on this race of endurance that builds character. May I rejoice in the hope of Christ and inspire others to know more about the gospel.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
