Revelation 3
"So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realising that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire so that you may be rich, white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see. Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent." - Revelation 3:16–19
Jesus is talking to the church at Laodicea through the apostle John. The church is lukewarm and therefore not useful to Jesus. The members of the church are materially rich but spiritually poor. They have a lot in their bank accounts but very little in terms of spiritual fruit acceptable to God. So Jesus counsels them. He tells them to buy three things: refined gold, white garments, and eye salve. Jesus loves them, and that's why he reproves them. He is giving them a chance to repent and turn things around.
What about my own bank account? Am I putting my trust in financial security rather than the Trinity? Is my love of money causing me to be spiritually poor and naked? No one can serve two masters. The pursuit of financial security can easily block a deeper relationship with Jesus. It can blind us to spiritual realities and opportunities.
Father, what about me? Do I have a secret love of money and financial security that is blocking me from being a useful disciple of Jesus? Show me the true status of my heart in this. Do I need to give more generously? Growing riches are a test of our faith. Challenge me to give more freely out of what we have. In Jesus' name, amen.
- Jeff Coleman