Live what you know
by Jim Strelan
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Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard, obey it and repent (Revelation 3:3a).
Read Revelation 3:1–6
If you grew up in a Christian family with a strong connection to a Christian church, you may have been taught, over and over again, about God’s acts in the past and what he can do in the present. If you are newer to the faith, perhaps you also heard the message and felt convicted.
Many, many years ago, when I was confirmed, the process that qualified (!) me for confirmation was my ability to repeat things I had learnt off by heart. In my ministry, I encouraged young people to express their faith in their own words. Not just head knowledge, but something heartfelt. There’s a difference.
In this passage, the church at Sardis is encouraged to remember what it has received and to live that out. Sardis was a famous and wealthy city. It would have been easy for the people of that city to be influenced by what was around them. They gave the appearance of being alive in faith – that was their reputation, but the call is for them to be real. If it meant repentance, then repent. Some weren’t influenced by what was around them but were faithful. God acknowledged them.
The focus is on living what you know. Would you say your faith is more than words, more than head knowledge, more than the Bible verses you can recite, but rather something that impacts all of your life? Is it evident in how you trust when you are anxious, how you hear the word of forgiveness and allow it to cover you, and how you love your neighbour and so show your love for God? To receive something is to be given a gift. You have that gift. Let it define you. Live it. God’s Spirit is with you, working to bring what you know to life. Your name is in the book of life and will never be blotted out.
Thank you, loving God, for revealing yourself to me. As I grow in knowledge and understanding, help me to live that out. Help me to be true to what I am. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Jim is a retired pastor living with his wife Ruth in Deception Bay, Queensland. He spends his retirement making space to add more Lions’ premiership posters to the six (3+3) he already has on his garage wall.
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