Revelation 2:18-29 - Merit, Excellence, and Integrity
One more thought on this message to the fourth church of chapter two - and then we can move on to the messages to three more churches in chapter three. There’s a lot of talk in management circles about how to go from good to great. (Well, first ya gotta be good.)
Jesus applauds the Church of Thyatira for their core values. They were known for love, faith, service, patient endurance, and continuous improvement in those things. This is a message from God to hold tightly to those core values and to grow in them daily. It’s a message that God keeps it simple. God loves a clear message. And that’s what he gives the Thyatirans. He tells them to reject the false teachers - those who love money and the things of this world - and to hold tightly to their first love.
Remarkably, Jesus tells the church that in their steadfast victorious obedience, God Almighty will give the church authority and responsibility. It does not get much more exciting than that. We humbly wait upon the Lord Jesus and we pray for others. For we know that it is a sin to stop praying and loving others (1 Samuel 12:23).
God will not be held back. Expect great things from God today. God will do whatever He pleases (Psalm 135:5-6). As a Christian servant leader, you have an important role to play today. Make all of it about God. Never boast. If you are a young mom. Keep fighting for Good. You have an extremely hard job. Keep going. Pray. Teach your children well and trust God. He will never fail you. And He will bless you beyond measure. If you are a young man, a servant leader following Jesus Christ. Keep growing. God loves you beyond measure. He expects you to be responsible for much as His Kingdom is advancing and He will provide you with unbounding opportunity. But you must be responsible. That is, genuine praise of God is not showing off in front of others. Genuine praise is with the uprightness of the heart (Psalm 119:7). Our responsibility is to practice what we preach. We practice the truth. We walk in the light. God is good on His promise to make us not just hearers, but doers of His word (James 1:22-25).
Likewise, for those of us a little longer in the tooth. God is not finished with you. The next chapter of your life is indeed much richer and better as we continuously improve in our godly character. Do not strive for worldly ways. Be Christian. It is by definition contrarian. Better. Holy. The Christian leader sets an example and a standard for his organization that merit, excellence, and integrity are paramount. Hire that way. Mentor that way. Budget and execute that way. Accept no excuses from those who harm others or clamor to follow the crowd or do things following the sin of expediency. God forbid! Do not tolerate evil people.
The path to eternal life is paved with godly thoughts and good intentions. God searches the thoughts and intentions of every person. God gives to each of us whatever we deserve (2:23). God’s eternal rewards - His economy - are indeed based on merit, excellence, and integrity. Only by the power of the Holy Spirit can we renew our minds and be transformed in what motivates us, what we think about, and what we say and do.
The world thinks that Christians have a dull and impossible life - they think we give up the good life. Nothing could be farther from the truth. God’s yoke is light. His way is good, beyond good. A life of love, faith, service, patient endurance, and continuous improvement is the good life. It is a path of freedom and goodness. Yes, life is hard. No doubt about it. But with God, it is good. We are to hold tightly and grow in faith until Christ’s return. We are victorious when we obey Christ to the very end.
God says that He will reward His people with authority and responsibility. Men, let’s desire that today, God’s approval. Let’s obey Jesus. And when He gives us just the authority and responsibility that He pleases may we hear and obey the Holy Spirit in a way that shows God’s glory. In tune. In sync. On key. Attentive. Prepared. Postured. Aware of every move and direction of the Conductor. God is honored when the church acts as a body should, like a grand orchestra.
We ask Holy Father for your blessing on Your church today. Please revive us. May we be like the Church at Thyatira who gave You honor. We know that there is only one body and one faith. We know that You want every person on this earth to be a part of that one body. We know that You, Lord God, do not want anyone to perish, but for all to come to repentance and new life in Christ. Move and mold our hearts today for we are incapable on our own. But with You, we have sincere love for our brethren. Please encourage Your children with love for others, overflowing love. Amen.
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