This letter gives us another secret to growth and change to those of us who are feeling a little bit complacent. Maybe we feel a little more bored than blessed when we connect with church … Perhaps we feel a lot more attached to this world than we’d like - (who doesn’t struggle with that?) and looking us straight in the eye Jesus says - “I want you to see your need as you never have before. Then I’d be able to meet your need as I never have before.”
John writes this way to the church in Laodicea - “To the angel of the church of Laodicea write, ‘These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. I know your deeds that you’re neither cold nor hot … I wish that you were one or the other … But you don’t realise you’re wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you get from me gold refined in the fire so you can become rich and white clothes to wear so you can cover your shameful nakedness salve to put on your eyes so you can see.” (Revelation 3:14 ff)
Not easy words from Jesus but they end with his remarkable promise - “Look! I am standing at the door and I’m constantly knocking. If anyone opens the door I will come in and I’ll fellowship with him; I’ll relate to him, I’ll dine with him and he’ll fellowship with me.” (Revelation 3:20 – Message)
We live in a “self-help” world, where we’re left to find the resources we need (well, there’s “You Tube”!) for just about every need or circumstance that touches our lives.
Jesus, on the other hand, promised that we’re not left to our own devices. Before He was crucified and resurrected, He said to his followers -"It's actually best for you that I go away, because if I don't, the Helper won't come to you. But if I do … go away, He will come because, I will send Him to you … And when He, the Spirit of Truth comes, He will guide you" (John 16:13).
Now that’s something! Our own personal guide to help us …
know what we need to know
get where we need to go
say the right things
wait for God’s timing
resist the temptations of self-indulgence, and
avoid dangers and mistakes.
How could anything be better, than having God’s spirit guiding us, personally through life?