If you’ve been following us through our little study of the book of Revelation, chapters two and three, the seven letters to the seven churches, you’ll notice that none of the churches are perfect. They all have things you need to work on.
And we should never expect our church to be any different. But nor should we be content just to sit back and accept ourselves as we are. God wants us as a church to be working to improve and be the best church we can be.
So today, let’s look at the book of Revelation chapter two, in verse 19, where we see a letter to the church of Thyatira. Here’s what the Lord has to say to them. I know your works, your love, and faith and service and patience, and that your ladder works exceed the first. That is a great statement.
We should always desire to do even more. Our tendency is when God blesses and we see great things happening, to say well, that’s wonderful, we’ve earned it. Now let’s just sit back and rest for a while.
Well, our day of rest will come. But right now, we are busy doing the work of the Father who sent us. We are on a mission to reach Central Jersey with the love of Jesus. And while we have seen God bless in many ways, I’d like to encourage you to be like those and Thyatira. That you’ll be among those who will let your lateral works exceed your previous works, your first works.
Why should we do this? Well, folks, there’s a great need in our culture today in our churches for people who will serve the Lord.
Our natural tendency is to serve for a while and then think, well, I’ve done my part, let somebody else do their part. But what really works is when everybody is doing their part. When those who are working, continue working and when those who aren’t working, get on board.
I don’t know where you fit into that formula. But I hope, whatever place you hold, you will understand that your service to the Lord and to the body of Christ really matters.
And so this example that we see set in Thyatira should inspire us to be people who are growing in our service to the Lord.