The city of Laodicea had a water problem. One nearby town had
fabulous hot springs and another had cold, clear water.
Laodicea, however, was stuck with tepid, mineral-laden water
that tasted like sulphur. Not hot. Not cold. Just gross.
Given those facts, the words of Jesus to the Laodicean believers
in Revelation 3 must have stung. Jesus rebuked them for being
“neither cold nor hot” (v.15). And when He thought of them, He
felt like vomiting (v.16)—like the effect of their drinking
water.
What was their problem? It was the sin of self-sufficiency. The
Laodiceans had become so affluent that they had forgotten how
much they needed Jesus (v.17).
When we say we have everything we need, but Jesus isn’t at the
top of the list, He is deeply offended. Self-sufficiency
distracts us from pursuing the things we really need that only
He can give. If you’d rather have cash than character, if your
credit cards are maximized and your righteousness is minimized,
if you’ve become smart but aren’t wise, then you’ve been
shopping in all the wrong places. Jesus offers commodities that
are far better (v.18).
He’s knocking at your heart’s door (v.20). Let Him in. He will
give you all you really need! — Joe
Stowell
We must be careful to avoid
All self-sufficiency;
If sinful pride gets in the way,
God’s hand we will not see. —Sper
We always have enough when God is our supply.