Open Heavens Devotional by Pastor E.A. Adeboye
Memorize: A man’s pride shall bring him low: but honour
shall uphold the humble in spirit. Proverbs 29:23
Read: Revelation 3:14-22
In today’s reading, the Lord wrote a letter to the church in
Laodicea. Let us briefly look at their background. Laodicea was a strong
financial centre in those days. It had very rich inhabitants who thought since
they had virtually all they needed, they did not need God. It was the heart of
textile manufacturing, providing specialized medical care for eyes and ears.
The church in Laodicea was equally inhabited by wealthy members who thought
they could do almost anything with money. Being wealthy, they could afford the
best of clothes and medical care. Their comfort and affluence made them proud
people.
If you look closely, the church in Laodicea was the only one
out of seven that the Lord had nothing good to say about. Even as bad as Sardis
was, it still had some good people. Meanwhile, they saw themselves as the
happening church- the rich and affluent church. Laodicea was a church that had
all its physical needs met. They could afford the most fantastic auditorium,
equipped with the best and most expensive musical instruments then. They could
afford to publicize every programme on air and do glamorous banners. Their
church could be said to be what most of our churches today dream to be. On
Sundays, if you saw the sisters there, you would think there was a fashion
parade or some kind of beauty pageant. It was a prosperous church with all
members physically prospering. The latest cars were parked in their parking
lot. What a church without a need! Meanwhile, as they were celebrating their
“immense success”, the Lord was lamenting their wretchedness. In His eyes, they
were the exact opposite of who they thought they were. May you never see
yourself only through your eyes but always through His eyes. One lesson here is
that we need to steer clear of pride as it is capable of eroding all our good
works. Anyone who is adorned with any attribute of pride blocks God’s view of
his or her good deeds, except the object of pride. If you fill up a two storey
building with good works but you are proud, it is only your pride that would be
seen. Nothing will be recorded for your good. The proud is in competition with
God. Are you proud?
ACTION POINT:
Search yourself for any element of pride and immediately
deal with them before they spoil your work.
Bible in one year: Hosea 11-14
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