In the Book of Revelation, a powerful message was sent to a community known for its great reputation. From the outside, they seemed vibrant, active, and successful. But the message they received was stunning: “I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.” (Revelation 3:1).
How often do we get caught up in building a reputation, an outward appearance of satisfaction, while inwardly we feel empty? It’s easy to be busy but not truly present.
This wasn’t the only warning. Another nearby community was praised for its hard work, its patience, and its high standards. They were doing everything right, but they had forsaken their first love (Revelation 2:4). The passion and love that started it all had faded.
These ancient messages point to two of the greatest traps we face:
- The Trap of Reputation: Caring more about how we lookthan the purpose.
- The Trap of Routine: Doing all the right things but forgetting why we do them.
We live in a world that constantly judges our outward appearance, but as the prophet Samuel was told, “man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
Do you feel like God is speaking to you, too, an urgent wake-up call wake up, be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die.” May God help us to connect to Him rightly.
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