Sometimes the difference between the Christian life and the average "worldly" life is obscured by the traditions of our culture.  In America we have this great Christian heritage that in many ways has been adopted by our community in general.  Yet it often only serves to mask the deceptions devised by the adversary, cloaking them in a "Christian" garb.

 

Christianity is really very popular in America, but finding those faithful ones that live lives of Christian service is not always easy.  Personal power and material success is too often promoted in Church circles, as opposed to the life of service taught by our Saviour, Jesus. 

 

Consider the Churches written to in the book of Revelation: In the letter to the church of Smyrna (Rev. 2:8-11) The Lord notes their poverty, and declares they are really rich.  Furthermore, God has nothing to rebuke them for.  Then to the church in Laodicea (Rev. 3:14-22), to whom He has nothing good to say about.  They are the ones who think they are rich.  But God declares them to be "wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked (3:17).  These are church folk like ourselves.  What would God say about us. 

 

Jesus is about to return.  Where do we stand with our Lord?