Living Authentically for Jesus

Living Authentically for Jesus / A good reputation may impress people, but Jesus sees the truth of our hearts—calling us to live alert, authentic lives that reflect Him.

“To the angel of the church in Sardis write … ‘I know your deeds, that you have a name that you are alive, and yet you are dead.’”—Revelation 3:1 NASB

The Christians in Sardis were concerned with their name. The Christian Standard Bible translates this phrase, “You have a reputation.”

While these people from Sardis were focused on what others thought of them, Jesus said He knew the reality of their situation—not just the perception, but what they actually had done. The implication was that their deeds were inconsistent with their reputation.

They might have been able to fool others, but they could not fool God. Jesus issued a warning: “Be constantly alert, and strengthen the things that remain, which were about to die.” If they were not alert, He warned them, “I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come to you” (vs. 2–3). They would be called to account for their lives. Then they would realize that, in the sight of God, their reputation was meaningless.

Jesus told them to “remember what you have received and heard; and keep it, and repent” (v. 3). They needed to focus on the reality of their lives, the condition of their hearts, and what God thought about them.

Today, make sure that you have the right priorities. Seek to obey God and live according to His Word. Remember that He is looking at your life and heart, what you say and do. Beyond merely having a good reputation, He wants to give you a new life.

Reflection Question: Is your reputation consistent with what God sees in your heart?