Remain Faithful

A recurring theme when reading what the Lord has to say to the Seven Churches in Revelation is 'repent'. It is worthy to point out that the Lord is speaking to churches and giving them a report. It could also be pointed out that the Seven Churches here could easily represent our churches today. We could easily look at each of the Seven Churches and describe a church today with it's description. One church will be so busy doing, that those inside the walls has lost their love and passion for Christ which is the Church of Ephesus described in Revelation 2:1-7. Then there may be a church that could be commended for doing all the right things however, they overlook some wrong teaching or blatant sin such as it was with the Church of Thyatira.
There were only two Churches that the Lord didn't tell to repent; that was the Church in Smyrna and the Church in Philadelphia. The Church in Smyrna was known to the Lord as the Church that was being persecuted for Him. The Church in Philadelphia was known for being faithful to Him regardless of their situation.
To the Church in Smyrna or the Church in Philadelphia He didn't tell them to repent. Instead, he reminded them to "remain faithful" and to "hold fast" with the reminder that He is "coming quickly." Why, if there was only good things to say about these two Churches, would he remind them to stay on course? I believe it is because He knew that it can be difficult to stay the course sometimes.
It is true that it's hard to overcome and persevere. This is because there is so much temptation. Jesus Himself knew about temptation. Matthew 4:1-11 describes the temptation of Christ by the devil. As a matter of fact, Hebrews 4:15 explains that Jesus can sympathize with us because He was tempted in all ways yet without sin. Therefore, even though we may always be doing the right thing and walking the strait and narrow, there should always be encouragement to stay the course and keep up the good work!
Let me ask you, are you staying the course today. If the Lord was to give you a report as He did the Seven Churches, would He remind you to stay the course or would He tell you to repent? This may be a question that offends some, but it is a question that needs to be asked. This is a question that we should be asking ourselves.
The Bible says "Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord." Lamentations 3:40
2 Cor. 13:5 says, "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove yourselves."
Yes. We should always examine our walk with Christ and our relationship with Him because as the Lord Himself says, "I am coming quickly."
Prayer:
Dear Lord, let us examine our walk with You and always be found in Your will. May our report from You always be of encouragement to stay the course rather than You rebuking us to repent. I thank You Lord for being in my life. You truly are the King of all kings and the Lord of all lords. Amen.