By Shane Kastler
We should view everything we have in life as being a gift from God. Even if we've worked very hard to have the things we have, we should recognize that even the ability to work comes from God. Furthermore, we should be aware of the fact that financial riches pale in comparison to spiritual ones. And while most people would prefer to have both, it is eternally important that we have the spiritual ones.
The church of Laodicea believed themselves to be rich. But in truth, they were spiritually destitute. Jesus said this to them: "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, I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see. ‘Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent.” (Revelation 3:17-19)
Like the Laodiceans, you may consider yourself to be self-sufficient. In a physical and materialistic way, you might have everything you want or need. But your spiritual needs are far greater than your physical ones. You need a relationship with Jesus Christ. You need to know that you are a sinner before God and that Christ is the only one who can forgive you of your sins. You need to be transformed into a new creature in Christ. You need to be “born again” by the Holy Spirit's work. You may think you're rich, but spiritually speaking, we are all poor. We are all sinners. We are all wretched at heart.
Prayerfully examine your life today and see what you find. Ask the Lord to test you and try you, and see if there may not be wickedness lurking within your heart. Sometimes wickedness is so obvious that all the world can see it. Or sometimes wickedness is subtle, sly, and deceiving. Wickedness can be seen in someone who murders or steals. Or it can be seen in something as simple as thinking yourself to be rich, and yet actually being spiritually poor and destitute. We all need the Lord. May you recognize this today, and commit your life to Him.
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