Leading The Way - Devotional for March 8
March 8, 2025
Laodicea and the Perils of Spiritual Apathy
By Michael Youssef, Ph.D.
Read Revelation 3:14-22.
Laodicea was a remarkable city in every way. Out of all the cities we’ve looked at in this study, it was the most successful from a worldly perspective. In fact, it was the business capital of the region, the sort of place other cities wanted to be like. But Laodicea also stands out in another way: In His letter to the church in that city, our resurrected, glorified, soon-coming Lord Jesus offered no blessing or praise. Instead, He offers a firm rebuke and a stronger warning.
The Laodicean believers were spiritual couch potatoes. They had grown apathetic in their walk with the Lord. Their spiritual lungs had grown weak, and they were no longer able to breathe in the grace and forgiveness of God. Things had gotten so bad that Jesus warned these anemic believers that they were in danger of being spit out of His mouth. Sadly, this church bears a striking resemblance to many modern churches.
Since the Laodiceans were people who understood the world of business, Jesus admonished them to make a trade. He said, “Come, exchange your sin for My forgiveness, your failure for My success, your pain for My healing.” Friends, He says the same to those of us who have become spiritually lazy today. It’s not too late to accept His gracious offer. Go to Him and trade your pride for His peace and contentment. It’s the greatest bargain ever offered in all of human history.
Prayer: Jesus, I am ready to trade my pride for Your peace and contentment. May I remember the tremendous gift of Your presence and be utterly transformed. I want to be on fire for my Savior! I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
“So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth” (Revelation 3:16).
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