False impression

For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open. Luke 8.17

Sardis (Sart as it is today) is a spectacular place. Its natural citadel dominates the surrounding area. The church there in John's day also had a formidable reputation. Yet the truth was that it was largely show. Isn't that so often the case? People talk a good game, or they promise the earth... then fail to deliver. This is why Revelation is so important and it is so important that Revelation has the last word in the Bible: It exposes the truth.

One must not forget that, in the case of the church at Sardis, an element of that truth is that there were faithful believers among the phoneys. How can we tell the difference? God alone is judge, yet we are all accountable. That makes it incumbent on each of us to examine our hearts, to search the scriptures and be regular in our prayers and in our fellowship within the community of faith while reaching out to those beyond it, being compassionate to all and treading lightly on the earth.

Statistics suggest that there are more Christians in the world today than adherents of any other faith. That the world continues to be wracked with so much violence, despair and inequality implies that we are not bringing much salt and light onto the scene. It's time to wake up. That's not me speaking; it's the Risen Jesus talking to us through his message to the church in Sardis!