The Church at Laodicea

In Colossians 2, Paul begins by addressing a congregation to let them know how intently he is thinking about them. In fact the word he uses is the Greek “agon” which means to have intense concern or anxiety. This is where we get the word “agony.” Paul is telling them that the anxiety he feels for them causes him great agony. Why would Paul be anxious and endure agony for this church?

The Church at Laodicea is specifically mentioned in verse one immediately after pointing out his agony. This was directed at that congregation and to get a feel for why he may have been agonizing over this particular fellowship, you would have to understand the history. Laodicea was a city of great wealth and commerce. Before we dig in any further, we need to understand the word/ name Laodicea. It comes from a combination of two Greek words. The first being “Laos,” which means a “people group or nation.” The second word comes from the Greek, “dike,” which means “justice.” When the two words are combined, we come up with Laodicea which means, “justice of the people.” Sound familiar? 

Not only were the Laodiceans wealthy, they were also arrogant and prideful. There were many paths to earn money in the culture including, banking, finance, manufacturing and medicine. From the beginning of the church in Laodicea, there was more of the congregation living based on their own self worth rather than according to the commands of Christ. In fact, they were a culture who thrived on telling themselves “they needed no one.” Though the people of Laodicea considered themselves to be law-abiding citizens, they ignored true fellowship with Christ. Though we know that God’s law is supreme, the Laodiceans were more comfortable and content in following the Roman customs which they were instrumental in establishing.

It was clear, the Laodicean church was more content in following the worldly system of things than they were being intimately connected to Christ spiritually. They professed Christ but followed the world both financially and politically. A self-made nation that established their independence with a political system that was established “by the people, for the people.” I know that sounds familiar.

Yet, we also see this church come up again later in scripture. Is it possible the Church at Laodicea mentioned in Revelation 3 is not specific to a location and more so directed at a “people group?” I say it’s not only possible, it is in fact the case. How can we know for sure? For one, the physical church in Laodicea no longer exists, but the heart of this church is alive and well. The mind of this church is not only alive today, it is thriving and growing more every day. In fact, the Western church we see today fits the historical description of the Laodicean church.

What do I mean when I say this? When you take a quick historical glance at the United States, is it not almost identical to the Laodicean way of life? Don’t we stand on the fact that “we need no one?” We are under a government that perpetuates the mantra of “for the people by the people.” We are truly arrogant people thinking that we are untouchable, a blessed nation, and fully dependent on the money and political systems that have been established. We trust our political leaders more than we trust Christ. Sure, we say that’s not the case but talk is cheap. The actions of the American church follow culture more than they follow Christ. So, what can we do?

According to Revelation 3, Jesus has some pretty harsh things to say to this people group. However, this means nothing if the people do not first remove the scales and truly see their heart. We as a people have to remove the worldly and political blinders to see that our hearts are far from Christ. Because of this, Jesus says he will vomit these people out of his mouth. These are people who profess Jesus, yet follow the worldly order of things. They vote based on their finances, their freedoms, their feelings, amongst other self-serving reasons.

Let it be said and understood …. The strength of our faith is not seen in protecting our rights or our money. No! The strength of our faith is seen in how we follow Christ when someone tries to rob us of our God-given rights. The strength of our faith is seen in the face of adversity, not attempting to avoid the adversity. God has given me the freedom to speak the truth not because of a man-made piece of paper we call the constitution, but because He put the breath in my lungs and nothing can stop that breath from coming out of my lungs but God. I will fear no man or government attempting to prevent me from speaking what I know to be true. I will not stand and fight for something that needs no defense. The United States Constitution did not grant me anything that was not already mine to have in Christ. Therefore, it can never be taken away, even if some man in the government says I can no longer speak …. I will speak!

If we profess to follow Jesus, we do so regardless of the circumstances we live in. If we profess to follow Jesus, then why don’t we follow the model he laid out for us? Jesus not once got involved in trying to influence the Roman political landscape nor did he send his disciples to do it. In fact, Jesus only exposed the people to the truth of the Kingdom and has called us to do the same. To in some way think you have a duty or should be involved in anything other than bringing the message of the cross, is to be confused. It is an attempt to serve two masters. It is a house divided between Heaven and the world. This house will fall, and worse will be rejected by Christ.

Before you say Jesus made whips and flipped tables, you must understand the context. This was not his approach to the world, this was his approach to the religious people. To the world who was lost and in need of a physician, he communed with them, fed them, embraced them with love. No, he never condoned sin, but he certainly accepted the sinner. He brought healing to people who were unbelievers and never said accept me and then I will heal you. That is a conditional faith. Jesus healed them first to show his love and compassion to people. He served before he ever spoke. We are too busy speaking before we serve. Why don’t we follow his model? Because we are arrogant and believe our way is the correct and better way. 

I invite you to come to Jesus. Not your version of Jesus, the true Biblical version of Jesus.