Performance Review #3 – Worldliness

Steven Lake Posted on Posted in Life Well-Lived Tagged with ,

Passage:  Revelation 2:12-17

Verse:  “Repent therefore!  Otherwise I will come to you and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth.” Revelation 2:16

Evaluation of:  The church in Pergamum [worldliness]

Evaluator:

  • Him [Jesus]
  • Who has the sharp, double-edged sword [the symbol of Truth and Judgment]

Strengths:

  • I know where you live – among people who worship false gods
  • Yet you remain true to My Name.
  • You didn’t renounce your faith in Me even in the face of death

Weaknesses:  Some of you sin as a way of life by …

  • Doing religious work not for eternal reward, but for personal gain
  • Worshipping idols
  • Committing sexual sin
  • Advocating and practicing “free love”

Step:

  • Repent! [demonstrate a change of mind through changed behavior]

Warnings: 

  • I will soon come to you
  • I will fight against them with the sword of My mouth [the Word of God]

Incentives:  To him who overcomes, I will give …

  • Some of the hidden manna [provide for all of your needs in Christ]
  • A white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it [acquitted of all charges against us]

Application:  It’s an incredible sight to watch salmon swimming upstream against the current to spawn their newborn. As a Christian you and I are like salmon swimming upstream against the current of popular culture to keep alive our faith.

Right now you may be battling the strong current of worldliness swirling around you. Jesus offers you hope and encouragement: “I know where you live … Yet you remain true to My Name.”  But perhaps you’re losing the battle as the current sweeps you along the path of least resistance. Jesus says to you, “Repent!”  He will strengthen you for the journey ahead.

Prayer:

“Lord, the fight is very draining at times, and the current is so strong. I want to fight the good fight, and keep the faith, but can only do so in Your strength. Amen.”

© 2014 Steven A. Lake

About

Dr. Steve Lake is a retired educator with over 30 years experience in the American public schools. He has served in a variety of position, including teacher, elementary school principal, junior high principal, Associate Superintendent, retired from public education as Superintendent of Schools in Lincolnwood, IL. He has his Bachelors, Masters and Doctor of Education degrees from Northern Illinois University. For the past 25 years Steve has attended and been a member of Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington and Northfield, IL. At Willow Creek Steve has taught adult classes on spiritual gifts, life purpose, and spiritual disciplines. He has ministered overseas in Angola, Zambia, Honduras, Germany, and Russia. Steve is co-founder of Designed to Serve, a ministry that equips Christians to live out their unique God-given calling. Steve is married and has two adult children who are married.