In Jesus’ letter to the church at Sardis in Revelation 3:1-6, He says, “You have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God. Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you.” He ends the letter with, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

What Jesus said to Sardis needs to be heeded by every church and believer. Jesus’ message to Sardis is especially poignant today. Since teaching this passage last Sunday at Calvary Chapel Oxnard, I’ve heard reports of a half dozen people who at one time had a solid walk with God, but who are now walking away from Him. The problem is, they think what they are doing is fine with God. They've become so spiritually insensitive they think forsaking their marriage, and/or engaging in obvious sin is okay with God because – “God wants me to be happy.”

Yes, He does. The problem is, they’ll never gain the happiness God wants for them by following the course they are taking. Leaving a marriage because “It’s not working out” or “I’m not happy” or “I’m just not in love any more” or “I’ve met someone else who makes me happy” will produce nothing but sorrow, pain, and loss of soul.

The happiness God wants for us is the result of following Him. If our decisions are made with the primary focus of garnering happiness, it will forever elude us. Happiness is never a worthy ambition. It’s only and always the result of right ambition; to seek above all things the kingdom of God (His rule over every aspect of our lives) and His righteousness (which comes by grace through faith which abides in Him).

To the Reader: Please hearken to Jesus’ words to Sardis. Wake up. Take an honest look at yourself and your innermost ambition. Forget your reputation as a “right-on Christian.” What’s the state of your heart RIGHT NOW? Have your recent choices been motivated by the promotion of self, or to get closer to Jesus?

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