Revelations 3:1-2 “Write this letter to the angel of the church in Sardis. This is the message from the one who has the sevenfold Spirit of God and the seven stars: “I know all the things you do, and that you have a reputation for being alive—but you are dead. Wake up! Strengthen what little remains, for even what is left is almost dead. I find that your actions do not meet the requirements of my God.
As I studied my bible one night, God opened my eyes to the ills of the church in Sardis which is similar to the present day church. I have been reading this chapter for years but the meaning became clearer as God ministered to me from that portion of scriptures personally. The church( referring to the believers) in Sardis was one of the seven churches in Asia minor. This location of this church can be found in present day Turkey, village of Sart, near Salihli in Manisa province. It is not a fictitious church as some may think. However, what was it that Jesus said about this church that is worth considering?
Jesus said, "they had a reputation for being alive but there were dead". That struck me. In the eyes of the people living in that day, that church was reputed to be alive probably due to the various activities and programs they saw them do. They had a branded social image that made people point to them as "living church" or say "church on fire" yet Jesus said they were dead. If it were to be in our day, we may adjudge that kind of church as a living church because we see their heavy presence on social media showing us their 'exploits' in miracles, programs, powerful short instagram videos, outreaches, large following on twitter and other activities. Their public appeal through branding may also be another reason we quickly assume they're alive but in all this, the stench of their decay reaches to the heavens.
It is possible to be full of 'church/ ministry activities' and yet be adjudged as "dead". Why? Jesus gave the answer in verse 2 saying, "I find that your actions do not meet the requirements of my God". When the actions/ lifestyle of a believer doesn't matchup to the standard of God, even if he's busy with the Lord's work jumping here and there, Jesus is seeing a dead man. The deception of this age is creating a public spiritual reputation either through social media or other means when quality walk with God is long dead. So many carcasses are preaching, pastoring, singing & holding the microphone today but covering it with good suit, shirt, tie, good grammar but within, there's a stench in their secret life. This is the counsel of Jesus: "Go back to what you heard and believed at first; hold to it firmly. Repent and turn to me again..." vs 3.
Father, I receive life and vitality in my walk with you in Jesus name.