Category: Devotion of the Day

PROPER IDENTIFICATION

Christ liveth in me.
Galatians 2:20

We are always intrigued and haunted by the simplicity of first-century Christianity. What would happen if a man started out today to be just a Christian? The idea has inspired books like In His Steps. Well, if a man started out to be “just a Christian” he would probably gather a band of “just Christians” around him, and soon there would be another denomination! Through the centuries believers hungry to recapture the simplicity of the early faith have started out to be just friends or disciples or brethren or some other group. But one always has to watch lest devotion to a group or movement supersede devotion to Christ Himself.

In every Christian Christ lives again. Every true believer is a return to first-century Christianity. The problem is how to maintain the simplicity of being just a Christ-ian, an en-Christed one amid the complexity of the modern religious set-up.

What ought to be most evident in us is that Christ lives in us. If our church or group is more evident than our identification with Christ it is too evident. We are here to advertise Him, not “it” or “us” or “them.”

THE DIVINE DIAGNOSIS

These things saith he…
Revelation 2:1

Nothing could be clearer than our Lord’s dealing with the church at Ephesus, and it is just as fit in our case today. He first commended them for what they had. “But this thou hast…” He knew their works and labor and patience and their hatred of false doctrine. Our Lord Himself hates the deeds of the Nicolaitanes. Don’t forget that. He said so.

Then He pointed out what they did not have. They had left their first love. You will notice how commendable a church may be and yet be without love. And without that we are but sounding brass and clanging cymbal.

Then Jesus tells them what to do. Remember, Repent, Repeat. It is very hard for Ephesus to remember from whence she has fallen. Usually, Ephesus does not think she has had a fall. The books may show a “rise” in membership and financial intake. It is tough going trying to show such churches that they have fallen. And of course repentance and a return to first works are out of the question until Ephesus remembers.

Finally, there is the alternative, what Christ will do if they obey not. “Or else…” It is revival or removal.

When will we submit to the Divine Diagnosis?