Learn from the sixth and seventh churches mentioned in Revelation, Philadelphia and Laodicea:
6. Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7-13)
Positive Characteristics: Kept God's Word and did not deny His name. They endured patiently.
Negative Characteristics: They had little strength/were weak. (v.8)
Jesus' Command to Philadelphia: "I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars—I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you. Since you have kept My command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth." (vs.9-10)
Jesus' Command to Us: "I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown. The one who is victorious I will make a pillar in the temple of My God. Never again will they leave it. I will write on them the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from My God; and I will also write on them My new name. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches." (vs.11-13)
7. Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-22)
Positive Characteristics: None.
Negative Characteristics: lukewarm/neither cold nor hot. (v.15)
Jesus' Command to Laodicea: "So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of My mouth. You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with Me." (vs.16-20)
Jesus' Command to Us: "To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with Me on My throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with My Father on His throne. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches." (vs.21-22)
What can we take away from this? We need to be victorious: make a decision either to be for God or against Him, be obedient to God and His Word, and patiently wait for Him. God does not want half of your heart, He wants 100%. If you accept Him then obey His Word and live a life that shows you are for Him. When we obey His Word and wait patiently for Him, being ready at all times, it is very pleasing to God and we will be rewarded for our obedience and endurance. Meditate on these two churches and decide today if you will accept God completely with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength, or reject God.