(Revelation 3:8) I know that you have only a little power…

Just like the church in Laodicea, many churches and christians are obsessed with social status, abundance, and prestige.

Jesus condemned the self-sufficient and wealthy church of Laodicea with this declaration:

"You boast, 'I am rich; I have acquired great wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked."

In contrast to the church in Philadelphia, the Christians in Laodicea trusted in their social status and material prosperity for their security. 

Pride!

The Christians in Philadelphia, however, had no social status or wealth. 

They had very little power.

They were persecuted and pushed to the margins of society.

The people of Philadelphia ridiculed the Christians in their city because of their weakness and poverty. (Their poverty was actually likely the result of their severe persecution).

They were nobodies.

They were the garbage of the world.

This is the key: God sees our hearts, not our social status in this world.

Mature Christianity has everything to do with the condition of our hearts, not our status in life.

In Revelation 3:8, Jesus praises the Christians in Philadelphia for their obedience and faithfulness.

Jesus praises them because they did not deny Him--even in the face of mockery and persecution.

In God's eyes, Christian obedience and faithfulness are not optional.

What is important in the eyes of this world has no value in the eyes of God.

We must seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.

We must seek first the treasures of heaven, even if it costs us everything.

We must all depend fully on the presence and resources of God for our identity and sufficiency.

The attitude that says, "I can do it on my own"—is poison to our spiritual lives.

No matter what circumstances we face in life, obedience and faithfulness are never optional in the kingdom of God.