Sardis, unlike some of the other churches, was a church that was fairly well received in its setting. Christians were not overly persecuted and the church was in relative peace with the community. This was the blessing of Sardis, but it was also the curse. The church had a great outward appearance of faith, but inwardly their faith was dying. Because they faced no challenges, their faith was growing weaker and weaker. They were becoming more open to syncretism – the idea of accepting all faiths as equal and blending them together. Jesus warning to them is a wake up call – they need to start living out the life that they propose to live.
The church today sits in a very similar position. We are very comfortable and do not experience persecution. And likewise we are growing weaker in faith as we don’t live it out with passion. Jesus speaks to us today the same message – wake up! Wake up and live out the life that Christ calls you to live!
