“ The Churches of Self Salute You.”
“Because you say, “I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing.” and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked.”- Rev. 3:17
The above words to Laodicea , follow the Lord's expression of contempt for their lukewarm hearts, while they lounged in comfortable, arms-length “fellowship”.
Its amazing how we read scripture and never see ourselves in the descriptions.
Years of church meetings have done little to change many of us -- our words carry
the sour odor of self-satisfaction. The fragrance of fresh forgiveness is missing.
By reason of time, we may come to recognize as diversions, the criticisms of others who gather in Jesus' name. We may come to see that sin is primarily personal , rather than corporate. We may notice that we are not being changed , by decrying others sins We may catch a glimpse of our self-satisfaction, and hear our scorn sounding strangely self-reflective. Hear Romans 2:21-2.
How do we change? How do I grow up out of criticism, into the maturity of serving others? By seeing my concealing behaviors for what they are. I have to see myself, my sins, and confess them – to someone. James 5:16 has been ignored too long. Many have never humbled themselves to receive the birth from Above – so “the old man” grows ever more abusive. Pride always justifies itself. Hear Luke 16:14-15.
Some Churches of Self see the need to grow. Examining ourselves is the place to begin. Why would visitors want to join us, become like us – critical of others, too proud to confess, too self-centered to help the poor? When church leaders point to Help Wanted signs as reason for refusing the poor, they are blind to the Savior.
Hear Matthew 25 . We need eye-salve from the Lord Jesus now – before he Returns.
Those who belong to Christ, gather together to share.
5/18/06