Modern Laodicea: Four Characteristics Similar to its ancient type, 21st-century Laodicea suffers from a number of specific ailments including: (1) pride in financial wealth and abundance of goods, (2) lukewarm temperature, (3) blindness, and (4) nakedness. Until these debilitating conditions are addressed, those in this state have no hope whatsoever of regaining the attitude of a Philadelphian (sixth) era Christian. (1) Pride in financial wealth: Laodiceans take great pride in their abundance of riches. Many have amassed financial wealth, contrary to Christ’s plain teachings in Matthew 19:16-24 and Luke 12:13-21. This makes them feel comfortable physically. But all of Laodicea believes they are spiritually rich—that they believe the full truth of God and are living in accordance with what He expects. Yet Jesus plainly says otherwise. He states that they need to buy of Him true and everlasting riches. “Because you say, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing [notice the smug attitude of being entirely self-sufficient]…I counsel you to buy of Me gold tried in the fire [this means they lack godly character, which is typed by gold], that you may be rich [character leads to true spiritual riches]; and white raiment [a type of righteous acts], that you may be clothed [righteous acts lead to true spiritual clothing], and that the shame of your nakedness do not appear” (Rev. 3:17-18). (2) Lukewarm temperature: We saw that ancient Laodicea’s lack of a native water supply meant it had to pipe in water from an outside source. By the time it arrived in town, it was neither hot nor cold, but rather lukewarm. Jesus describes Laodiceans today as lukewarm, and ties this condition directly to their works: “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I would you were cold or hot” (Rev. 3:15). Christ would actually prefer His people to be cold rather than lukewarm! Of course, He would prefer hot over both. But a lukewarm Christian is of no use to God: “So then because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of My mouth” (Rev. 3:16). What could be more serious than being cast out of Christ’s mouth—or being thrown out of His Body for all eternity? Consider water for a moment. Few things are more refreshing than drinking a glass of ice-cold water on a hot summer day. As for hot water, it is beneficial for good health. We mix it with teas, herbs, broths, etc., and it works as a good solvent for cleaning purposes. Lukewarm water, on the other hand, is good for almost nothing—it is not refreshing on a hot summer day, it is of little use for promoting health, and it does not work as well as hot water for cleaning tasks. Laodiceans lack heat in their spiritual lives, and this leads to a lack of works, which Christians are commanded to produce (Titus 3:8, 14; I John 3:22). They are not ice cold—they do have some zeal and some understanding of the truth, and they do generally keep the Commandments (Rev. 12:17). But since Laodiceans are in a lukewarm state—and lack sufficient good works—Jesus considers them useless. Therefore, maintaining good works is vitally important to God! (3) Blindness: Ancient Laodicea was proud of its eye ointment, and the healing properties it supposedly carried. Today’s Laodiceans think they have clear spiritual vision. They honestly believe they are living as true Christians—but they deceive themselves, and are blind as a result. We know this because Jesus tells them to “anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.” This implies that they are currently blind! (4) Nakedness: Due to their debilitating “eyesight” problems, Laodiceans have no idea they are walking around spiritually naked. With what garments should they clothe themselves? Paul answers the question in Ephesians: “Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand” (6:13). Note the first piece of armor mentioned in the next verse. He continues, “Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth…” (vs. 14). Those with a Laodicean attitude have lost God’s COMPLETE truth. In doing so, their “loins” are exposed for all to see! These four characteristics alone make clear why Christ summed up this era as “wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked” (Rev. 3:17). It is a truly sobering description, which can be cured only by anointing one’s eyes spiritually.
Posted on: Sun, 02 Nov 2014 01:08:04 +0000
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