“Eschew The Laodicean Syndrome!”

“Advent Journey Day VII.”
“Eschew The Laodicean Syndrome!”(Rev. 3:14-22).
Today we shift focus from the commendable Philadelphian Church to the “lukewarm Laodicean Church – “neither hot nor cold…”
Some few decades ago it was projected that by 2040 Africa will be the continent with the highest number of Christians. This projection is becoming more of a prophecy that is being fulfilled than a mere speculative peojection.
Africa is gradually becoming not only the most Christian populated continent, she is now also evangelising Europe and America as some of the vibrant Churches in those continents are African founded Churches.
Ironically, the African continent has some quite irreconcilable characteristics. Africa, as a continent that is hatching Christians and Churches like an incubator is soaring high in corruption, money laundering, Internet scamming, capital flight, drug trafficking, bloody coups, unenabling conditions leading to brain-drain and other concomitant accoutrements. The consequences of which is anthropological poverty, famine, diseases, high infant mortality rate, shortened lifespan, etc!
Yet Africa is the continent with a vibrant geometric Church and christian growthrate. What an irreconcilable contradiction!
All the telltale point to the fact that most of the Churches within the continent are more Laodicean than Philadelphian – lukewarm Churches; neither cold nor hot, having a reputation for being what she is not.
The Lord Jesus Christ whom we are expecting has this to say of the Laodicean Church: “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 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 realise 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 hide your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see…”
It is true that if your only boast is in your riches, then you are very poor. Being rich and wealthy is the only thing most African Churches have. The Laodicean Church then, and as it is now in majority Churches within the continent – supply neither “healing for the spiritually sick nor refreshment for the spiritually weary.”
And before we crucify those who dare to talk against the Laodicean syndrome plaguing the Churches within the continent, let us go back to what the head of the Church says to Laodicean kind of Churches: “I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” “Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be ernest and repent.”
Yes my friend, the time is now to be ernest and repent!
To you and I Christ offers one of the most profound words of a forgiving, loving and reconciling humble heart: “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 him, and he with me.”
What an offer! Will you open to him or not? The choice is yours!
Weekend prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, I have opened the door of my heart to you. Please make yourself comfortable for my benefit. Amen!
Have a blessed weekend! Peace be with you!
Rev Babila Fochang.