Laodecia

https://odb.org/MY/2023/03/17/were-not-alone-2

The church in Laodecia (Revelation 3:14-22), also known as the lukewarm church (neither hot nor cold), was in that predicament as they were materially wealthy. Blessed with riches, there is a perception that they do not need God. In fact, Jesus said precisely that to them. You say I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing (verse 17).

It is ironic that wealth may cause us not to need God because the ancients in the bible were wealthy. Abraham had so much cattle and sheep and goats and servants that he had to part ways with his nephew Lot as there was not enough in the land for both of them. In fact, when Lot was captured by a king, Abraham was able to assemble a small army out of his men to rescue Lot. Joseph was the second in command of the richest and most powerful nation of the known world then. With the guidance from the LORD, Joseph was able to store grain for use in the coming 7 years of famine and saved the Abrahamic tribe as a result.

Perhaps the church in the book of Acts started life poor with mainly poor and marginalised people in its ranks, and as some grew wealthy over time, there was no need for God as they had turned to God in their poverty. Whether we are a fresh graduate struggling with our basic pay package or a pensioner with just enough to go by month by month or someone with above average income or with acquired or inherited wealth, I think we should all be able to thank God for His salvation and for His blessings upon our lives. Ultimately, what we have on earth matters less than the treasures that we have stored in heaven through our good works and our faithful service for God. Whether we are in abundance or have just enough, if we nevertheless sow and share and give away to the needy as prompted by the Spirit, I’m sure we will learn dependence on God because no matter how much we have, it is still finite.

Thus, I think the key out of the Laodecia predicament is to hold lightly to our wealth if we have acquired some. Be prepared to share and bless others. Don’t embrace it so tightly until it chokes the life of God out of us. Wealth is something to be used when necessary. Remember, it is the heavenly treasures that matter in the end. In the process, we will become hot again for Jesus, and He will not spit us out of His mouth!