You Are Here

I just recently went to a wonderful mini conference called “How to Study the Bible” led by a Godly local lady (Jo Hancock of His Vessel Ministries.) Jo started with an overview of the Bible. She presented this overview of God’s plan for the world and how we fit into this plan as the reason to diligently study God's word. When she got to the book of Revelation she said something that caught my attention in a way that pointed a convicting finger at me. This gifted speaker said that if we wanted to know where the Christians are right now in time we needed to read Revelation chapters 2 and 3. She went on to the wonderful finish of God’s word but I was stuck those few chapters back at 2 and 3.

It was as if I was at the map in the mall and found the red dot that said, “You are here.” I felt prompted to read chapters 2 and 3 of Revelation right there on the spot. If this is where I’m located in the history of God’s plan for the world then I need to see what God has to say to me for this time. I’m sorry and I apologized to the speaker afterwards but I missed part two of her session. God took my focus to these two chapters. You see, I had always read these passages as if they were written to some other Christians at some other churches at some other time. But I was shocked into the reality that this was for me ... now... here.

Here is a little synopsis of the letters to the churches and to us from Jesus himself in chapter 2 and 3 of Revelation:

1.       OK, so you've worked diligently to keep your relationship with Christ uncorrupted from the world. You've stood strong even in the face of those opposing God. You didn't stay quiet when you could have for Christ’s name sake. But be careful in all of your good works that you are not just doing it out of duty or habit.  Don’t let your love for God get swallowed up by obligation. Remember to love the Lord with all of your heart, soul, and mind. God doesn't want a dutiful Christian. He wants a loving child.

2.       OK, so you’re not rich by the world’s standard. You have even been mistreated financially and physically because you claim the name of Christ. Be ready to suffer in this life. It’s inevitable that heartache and pain will come your way. The final victory for a Christian over sorrow, hurt, and even death is heaven. It cannot be taken away from you. You have this as your ultimate triumph as you persevere.

3.       OK, so it’s hard to live the Christian life when there’s sin all around you.  You play in the proverbial trashcan all day yet you try to come home clean. Remember that your definition of clean is not God’s. He is holy and has called you to holiness. Don’t let sin creep into your life and try to justify it by comparing yourself with those around you. Jesus is your only standard.

4.       OK, so you have grown in your faith. You know God more intimately. You follow God more closely. But don’t let this feeling that you are so good hide a deeper sin. Do you blandly tolerate others who blatantly sin?  Do you do align yourself with the ungodly? Do you watch as others fall into sin and say nothing because it would not be acceptable behavior? Do you silently watch as others live their life without Christ? Then there is something wrong with your understanding of the Christ life. You are not as “all that” as you thought you were. Get your “Christian” on and wear it proudly.

5.       OK, so you know all the right words to say and you can pull off the Godly act around other Christians. You may fool everyone but you don’t fool God. Make sure your life matches your talk. Be a "real" Christian.

6.       OK, so you’re a little weak in the “go into all the world and make disciples” area. God’s power in you totally makes up for that. Let Him show you this power in your everyday life. You will be amazed at what He does through you. Just do it!

7.       OK, so you’re not charging hell with a water pistol but you’re not deliberately living in sin either.  You think that if you can just scoot through life without causing a big hassle with the unsaved or God, you’ll be fine.  But God doesn't like that kind of lifestyle. You can’t just “get by” as a Christian. Stand up, put on your spiritual armor, and make a difference.

I saw myself in every scenario. And it wasn't a pretty picture. So right there in the middle of Jo's session, I renewed my commitment to: love Him, persevere, measure my life by God’s standard, proudly proclaim my faith in Christ, be real, get out there, and make a difference.

I found my location.

I am here.

Where are you?