Can We Hold On To God And The World?
BRD REFLECTIONS
Revelation 2:12-29 and Psalm 119:65-96 (NIV)
(Chan Wai Lup, Chairperson, Discipleship & Nurture)
READ:
Revelation 2:12-29 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
This passage is part of Jesus’ letter to the 7 churches in Asia Minor through John. To the church in Pergamum, Jesus affirmed that they had held fast to His name and faith in Him. However, some of them also held on to the false teachings of Balaam and the Nicolaitans. Similarly, to the church in Thyatira, Jesus affirmed their love, faith and service. However, they also tolerated the false prophetess Jezebel who taught and led many believers astray. Jesus called for both churches to repent from where they had gone wrong, and to hold fast to what is true instead, for He is coming soon. To those who overcome, Jesus will come with His rewards to render to every man according to what he has done (Rev 22:12).
APPLY:
The message to Pergamum reminds me that a Christian can be guilty of holding fast to God and holding fast to the world at the same time. The teachings of Balaam and the Nicolaitans led believers to compromise. To compromise means to lead a double life. But God’s Word tells us we cannot serve 2 masters. We cannot claim to love God and love the world at the same time (Matthew 6:24).
The message to Thyatira tells me that there are Christians who remain faithful to God, but they choose to turn a blind eye to those who are leading fellow believers astray in the church community. They are guilty of not contending earnestly for their faith (Jude 1:3) and speaking the truth in love.
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches” (Rev 2:17). Jesus is coming back for us soon, and He will hold us accountable for how we have lived our lives, for what we have done and not done as His disciples.
DO:
In my daily life, I have to make many decisions, big or small. My choices may be influenced by the Holy Spirit in accordance to God’s Word, or influenced by human desires in accordance to the ways and values of the world.
I have to intentionally spend time each day in examen, to ask God to reveal to me the attitudes and motivations of my heart, in every decision I make, in every choice of word and action. I need to repent if my heart had been leaning towards the world. I also need to intentionally spend time to immerse myself in the Word of God, which is active and living, able to help me discern even my own heart. I need to spend time to worship God, to speak to Him of my feelings and the events of my day; to spend time in silence and solitude, so as to be more in tune with the often small still voice of the Holy Spirit, who is my guide.
PRAY:
Dear God, thank you for reminding me the importance of living my life in accordance to your Word. I live in a world that promises attractive alternatives that will only lead to the compromise of my faith. Help me to flee from the temptation to compromise. Holy Spirit, give me the will and strength to deny my fleshly desires, to pick up my cross and follow Jesus every day. Help me to keep my focus on Jesus so that I will not sway from the straight and narrow way of full obedience to Christ. Give me the discernment and courage to speak out your truth in love when I need to. Give me a greater sense of urgency because Jesus my Lord is coming soon. Amen!
