Self-Assertion

The last feature in Laodicea, which I will notice here, is the miserable self-assertion and self-complacency evinced in the language, "I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing." Oh, imagine such words, and the blessed Lord outside! This is the full development of Laodiceanism. It is found alongside indifference to Christ and a luke-warmness which is neither cold nor hot. Does it not become all His saints to guard against this spirit?
God calls it "miserable, and poor." How soon any of us might be corrupted and infected with it. Things which are all right in themselves may be used by Satan in his wiles to ensnare us with this spirit. For instance, if ourselves, our service, our work, our usefulness, are before our eyes instead of Christ, how soon the spirit of Laodicea will enfold us in the meshes of its self-complacent net! Christ alone is our safety and rest. To keep His Word and not deny His name is within the reach of "little strength." Yet, it is also our preservation as our comfort and joy.
May the Lord in great grace preserve His own in this day from the principles we have been reviewing. May He also in sovereign mercy rescue from their power and influence any who have fallen under them.
One would not doubt his natural existence because he had a headache. Neither should he doubt his spiritual existence because his heart is not as happy as he wished it were.