POVERTY
"You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!‘ and you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked."
Revelation 3:17 (NLT)
The Laodiceans would describe themselves as self-sufficient because of their wealth, but Christ condemns this attitude. He calls them poor and blind and naked (v. 17).
The word poor is interesting because the Laodiceans were known for their great wealth. In this context, Christ is speaking specifically to their spiritual poverty. This should immediately remind us of another picture that Jesus gave us of treasure:
"Don’t store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves don’t break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Matthew 6:19 (CSB)
APPLICATION: The poverty of earthly riches is a better plight than the poverty of the soul. Focus on where you invest your time, energy, money and gifts. Are you investing in your heavenly portfolio or earthly treasures?
PRAYER:
God,
Please guide me as I invest my time, energy, money and gifts today. Help re-orient my mind towards my heavenly investment portfolio. Please open my eyes to the opportunities to help others. Give me someone today who I can invest in spiritually. Give me the courage and wisdom to do so with Your heart. Amen.