Text: Rev 3:1-4; 2 Chro 26:15-16
Memory verse:
”And he made devices in Jerusalem, invented by skillful men, to be on the towers and the corners, to shoot arrows and large stones. So his fame spread far and wide, for he was marvelously helped till he became strong.“
‭‭II Chronicles‬ ‭26‬:‭15‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

The city of Sardis was known for its wealth, being an industrial hub and a trade center. Its wealth became proverbial , and it is often said, “As rich as Croesus”, to acknowledge the unlimited riches of Croesus, the king of Sardis.
Also, as a result of its geographical location, it was prominent for its safety. Being situated within a mountain fortress, it became a highly defended city except when its watchmen were negligent. Their natural endowment became their undoing when they felt too secured to be guarded. Their wealth also made them complacent. Thus, Sardis was identified with complacency, ease, and degeneration.
”Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore, if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you.“ (‭‭Rev‬ ‭3‬:‭3‬).
Two times, they were called to watch because of their inattention, indifference, and complacency.
Now, the problem of this church was not caused by persecution, suffering, heresies, or poverty like other churches but by wealth and security. They were their own worst enemies. Since they weren’t watchful, the blessing became a curse to them. They were so comfortable and secured that they started to degenerate until they began to die. Wealth, success, and the sense of human security can breed complacency. That happened to Uzziah, the 16-year-old king of Judah. Having been marvelously helped by God, he became very wealthy and very secure until he began to go down spiritually (2 Chro 26:16). This is the danger of not being watchful in comfort. God says “Woe to you who are at ease, who feels safe, who lounge in luxury in Zion …” (Amos 6:1). Like someone once quipped, “Comfort is the warm blanket that numbs the soul”. The Sardis church threw away their conviction, which they had when they first believed. Their zeal, zero-tolerance to sin, and passion for souls became a “once upon a time” thing.
Friends, what is making you to be complacent spiritually? Is it your success, financial or job security, academic excellence, social status, or your natural endowments? Watch out, lest your blessing becomes a curse.

Prayer points
1. Father, forgive me in any way I have misused Your blessings that have brought complacency into my life, in Jesus’ name.
2. Father, please, heal me of every complacency and set me ablaze for You again, in Jesus’ name.

Today’s declarations
1. I will be watchful in comfort, lest success and prosperity become my undoing.
2. God blesses me to make my life better so that I can serve Him better.

Contact: pastor@thf.org.ng