Revelation 2:18-19

This is the message from the Son of God, whose eyes are like flames of fire, whose feet are like polished bronze: “I know all the things you do. I have seen your love, your faith, your service, and your patient endurance. And I can see your constant improvement in all these things.”

This is the beginning of the letter to the church in Thyatira. It was the smallest and least significant of the seven towns which the risen Lord addressed, and yet they received the longest letter! Thyatira was a busy commercial centre, particularly famous for dyeing wool. You may remember that Lydia, who Paul met in Phillipi and who was the first European convert to Christianity, was a trader in purple cloth and came from Thyatira.

There was much to praise in this church. Not only were they loving, faithful, servant hearted and patiently persistent in their faith, but they were also constantly improving. What more could you want? Sadly, they had a problem. They had allowed somebody to infiltrate the church who had encouraged sexual immorality and the eating of food offered to idols. It is highly likely that this happened through the trade guilds, of which there were many in Thyatira. Indeed, there were more trade guilds in this town than anywhere else in the region. In order to trade, it was important to belong to one of these guilds. At their famous guild banquets, people would be expected to eat food which had first been offered to idols. These banquets were also known for their immorality. It was therefore all too easy for the Christians of Thyatira to become ensnared in evil and destructive practices. They needed to address this and take decisive action.

In every society, Christian values are under attack, and it is always tempting to compromise. We need to be on our toes to ensure that we are living so close to God that we are aware of the dangers and ready to respond wisely and decisively.

Question

In what ways are you tempted to compromise your Christian faith?

Prayer

Loving God, help me to stand up for you and never to compromise. Fill me with your Spirit so that I will be strong and wise, whatever challenges I have to face. Amen