Rev 3:17 You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. NIV
The story of the conversation between Pope Innocent and Saint Thomas Aquinas is a reference point to illustrate this topic. Seeing the mighty edifice of the old Catholic Church and how beautiful this physical church was decorated, Pope Innocent said, "the church can no longer say 'silver and Gold we have none'". He said that to refute the claims of Peter and John in Acts 3 who told the cripple man at the beautiful gate that "Silver and gold we have none". He must have felt it was a statement made out of poverty by the leaders of the early church but seeing how rich the church was in his own time, he issued a counter statement.
Saint Thomas Aquinas heard him clearly and must have seen the pride and lust for material things in his heart. He replied the Pope by saying, "neither can the church say 'rise up&walk'". That's thoughtful of St.Thomas Aquinas. Probably, the Pope thought silver and gold, wealth and riches can replace the place of God's power. His own generation had money and what money can buy yet they do not carry God's presence and power. The story is almost the same as ours today. Glitz and glamour has been added to ministry. In an interview, I heard a preacher say that glitz and glamour is good for the ministry. Even his interviewer expressed dismay.
Gone are the days where a minister is known by his life of consecration to the Lord and the presence of God he carries. Today, we size up a man of God by the number of his congregation, network of branches, wealth, material things and cathedral. The concern is about "the church with largest church auditorium or largest number of worshippers in a service" not the church with the largest number of revived souls prepared ready for the coming kingdom. Just as Jesus said to the Laodicean church that they are wretched, poor, pitiful, blind and naked, same can be said to some of the churches in our generation. What is the way out? "I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me".
Revelation 3:18-20 KJV
Father, revive me in Jesus name.