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Outside the Box (part 2)

Writer's picture: Jeff KentJeff Kent

Updated: Jan 30

            Last time we observed that it is unwise, even detrimental, for a Christian or a church to stay inside the comfortable confines of the various “boxes” which they construct, and that God has been instrumental in moving His people out of such “boxes” when He sees it’s necessary for them to mature and more perfectly do His will.

            The church in Laodicea is a case in point.  They had built themselves a very spacious and comfortable box.  It was finely appointed, even ornate, and was furnished with everything imaginable which they thought they needed.  They were quoted as saying: “I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing.”  From their view inside this box, they had achieved a superior place, and Christ could do nothing more for them.  They had arrived!

            The problem with this view from inside their box was that it was imaginary!  You see, they could not see themselves at all - the Lord told them they were blind!  So, instead of being able to objectively and honestly evaluate themselves in light of God’s word, they had constructed this imaginary view of themselves which, of course, was quite favorable, but not consistent with reality.

            Christ tells them that they are also naked which seems to mean that they are wholly impure and are not properly clothed with Him (Galatians 3:27).  Their deeds are wishy-washy, inconsistent.  They need to make up their minds if they are going to serve Christ or themselves!  He calls them to repent and turn to Him to get a true view of themselves.  They need to “get out of their box,” get the “eye salve” from Christ so they can see what they need to do differently!

            Boxes are easy to construct.  Floors of self-satisfaction and pride are laid, and walls of habits, tradition and fear go up quickly.  Soon the view of Christ and His word are obscured, and honest self-evaluation becomes impossible.  Everything looks good from the inside.  But Christ has been left on the outside!

            Whether an individual Christian or a church, let us tear down the walls of the “boxes” we’ve built which keep Jesus and His word out.  Only He can “build” us into what we should be.

                                                            ><>  Jeff

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