Concept 8 - Reputation with God

To the church at Sardis Jesus presents Himself as holding the seven spirits of God and the seven stars (Rev 3:1). Previously, Jesus explained that the stars are the angles of the seven churches. We also read about the seven spirits in Zechariah, where they are called the “eyes of God.” (Zech 3:9 & 4:10) When Jesus says “I know your deeds” He is telling this congregation that He sees them, as they really are. The church at Sardis had a reputation of being alive, but in Jesus’ eyes, they were dead, and their works were incomplete.

Reputation is a funny thing. It can fool men into believing they are in good standing with the Lord, when in all actuality, their good standing is with their fellow men. This is what caused the church’s works to be incomplete; the men who labored for the Lord began to labor for men instead. When reputation is at stake, controversial works will be abandoned and popular works will replace them. Those who had soiled garments had done their works to please others. Those who walked in white had done their works to please God.

Men can be fickle, and change what they require of those under them. They may also discard God’s faithful servants for younger ones, or richer ones. Many Christians have had their names erased from their church’s roll due to displeasing those over them with their service to God. However secure we may think our standing amongst our brethren is, in truth it is only as secure as the common bond by which we serve God; His Holy Spirit (Eph 4:3).

The more important reputation to have is one with the Lord. Those who overcome the temptation to please men, and who labor for the Lord’s approval alone, will have an awesome reputation. Jesus states that “I will never blot out his name from the book of life, but will acknowledge his name before My Father and His angels.” (Rev 3:5). The roll we do not want our name erased from is the Book of Life, and the reputation we want to cultivate is that with our God. Amen.