What are you passionate about?
A major passion of mine is the Tour de France. I can stay up into the early hours of the morning watching the tour. I have read countless books on famous cyclists and history books on the tour. If you come across into my office, you will see various posters and magazines; all evidence of my passion.
Tour de France
Passion can be a great thing. * It can energise us, * it can excite us * It can entertain us * Give us joy * Motivate us * Give us purpose
Revelation 3:14-22, is written to a church, in Laodicea, that is passionate about the wrong things.
What seemed to be happening in the church in Laodicea, is that they seem to just be swallowed up in the culture that surrounded them and their passions elected this. The church is in an incredibly wealthy city, and it seems the church may have been caught up in valuing wealth above Christ.
The ruins of the ancient city of Laodicea
Jesus says;
“I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot.”
It’s like Jesus is looking at the church, and saying, what’s the difference between you in the church, and those outside?
You are hanging onto your wealth as if it is permanent or that somehow it’s a positive reflection upon your character.
It’s a super challenging question to ask, but if Jesus was to look into your life and my life, would he have similar things to say?
Are we different from the world around us in the things we desire most, and things we cling to? The things we are passionate about?
Jesus is saying to them, the reason why your not on fire for me, is that your seeking other things before me. * They were distracted. * They weren’t seeking the riches of Christ but where seeking the riches of the world.
The church in Laodicea had a passion for the treasure of this world, and missed out on knowing the immeasurable riches of Christ. This lead to them becoming lukewarm.
Jesus says to the church, you know you think your rich with this stuff, but your not! Your “wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.”
If we want to be a church who is on fire for Jesus and if we want to be people who are so passionate for him, we need to seek first Christ’s riches.
How do we seek the riches of Christ?
We invite Jesus in
“Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with them, and they with me.”
It’s clear from this passage that Jesus, even though he has big issues with what the church is doing, it’s clear, that if they repent, and invite Jesus back in; then all will be made right.
What does it look like to let Christ in?
It means to live with him as central to your life. * Involve Jesus your decisions. * Involve Jesus in your day. * Involve Jesus in your relationships.
Pray with him. Read his word. Talk about him with others.
There is a treasure, that is imperishable in Jesus. We can experience trues riches through knowing him.
All the riches in the world don’t compare with knowing Jesus.
Are you passionate for Jesus?