'I am coming quickly; hold fast what you have, so that no one will take your crown.
Revelation 3:11(NASB)
The church at Philadelphia in this verse is generally referred to as 'the faithful church' and is one of the two churches in Revelation that do not receive a word of rebuke from the Lord.
Although the church at Philadelphia was small in number, they faithfully held fast to the truth of God's Word and patiently endured the difficulties and trials they faced, in a world at enmity with God. They did receive a warning: "Hold fast what you have, so that no one will take your crown."
Jesus knew that complacency in our Christian walk was a dangerous trait, for we are surrounded by many temptations and trials that can lure us away from the path of righteousness or exhaust our soul, if we are not walking in spirit and truth.
There are many crowns that are laid up for us in heaven at the end of our journey through life, as rewards for those that are faithful. And although our salvation is a free gift of grace that can never be lost, we all need to be aware that we can suffer loss of reward when we at last stand before the Lord Jesus Christ Himself.
Let us beware of the dangers that can cause our faith in God's Word to flounder and fall, and let us and hold fast that what we have, looking to Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.
"Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done."
Heavenly Father, please keep me from developing an attitude of complacency in my Christian walk. May I always be alert to the many pitfalls and perils that strew the paths of all Your children. Keep me, I pray, in full and utter dependence upon You alone every moment of the day as I hold fast to my crown until the end of my life. In Jesus' name, AMEN.
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