The All-But-Gone Church of Sardis

John was known as the beloved disciple, yet when the situation called for it he could point out error in no uncertain terms. To the church at Sardis he wrote, “You have the reputation of being alive, even though you are dead” (3.1). As we would put it today, “You come across as a really good church, but the truth is that I don’t see much real life there.” John goes on to let them know that while most members of the congregation have gotten their clothing really dirty living there in Sardis, there are some who haven’t and he intends to join this group in their brand new white suits for a good walk around town.
        What we have in this church is a majority that has gradually let their confidence and joy in the Christian faith dry up. What an accurate description of that which always happens when one’s faith grows tired and a bit rancid. We tend to forget that our faith cannot remain in neutral; it is either growing or moving in the opposite direction. Among the members of the First All-But-Gone Church of Sardis, a few remained true to their initial commitment but the rest had gradually died of spiritual lethargy.
        Several things about Sardis are instructive. One is that spiritual life must be nourished on a regular basis. There is no neutral ground; the believer is growing closer to the Lord or drifting away. If God’s Word is neglected, faith is weakened by the lack of spiritual nourishment. Susana Wesley, often referred to as the mother of Methodism, is quoted as saying, “Dust on my Bible means sin in my heart.” She understood that life must be nourished or it will die. Meditation on the truths of scripture is crucial for spiritual growth and that is most likely to happen when it is accompanied by prayer, ”the awareness of God’s presence that evokes a continuing dialogue.” When prayer is neglected faith grows increasingly weak and in time succumbs.
         Another thing we can learn from the Sardis letter is that it is possible to recover from that slide toward spiritual oblivion. John says, “Wake up, strengthen the little you still have; there is still hope“ (v. 2). Christianity is a religion of hope. Nothing is so bad that it cannot be fixed. If you feel somewhat distant from God, think about where you once were and start the trip back. If you do your names will not be “blotted out of the Book of Life” (cf. 3:5). As to this dreadful possibility, I choose to leave it in the words by John ¬– somewhat of a mystery for all who accept the scriptural truth that by their act of faith their salvation is settled forever