By Agustinus Ryanto
After finishing college in 2016 and starting work in Jakarta, I often felt really bored. When I returned home after work, I didn’t know what to do. Although I could take a part-time job, I hesitated because I knew it would further exhaust my body. Hanging out with friends was challenging due to the hours spent battling traffic.
So, I decided to start a blog about my college memories and adventures. Back then, Instagram was popular, but short videos weren’t a big thing yet. In less than a year, I made many new friends and received lots of positive comments from fellow bloggers.
But I got too comfortable with my success. I thought my writing was great and didn’t value others’ work, even though I sometimes felt they were better. I ignored any criticism until one day, a family member sent me a message that was really direct: “It’s a struggle to read your writing; it’s simply awful…”
That hit me hard. But after I calmed down, I thanked them for the feedback and didn’t argue. Six months later, I took a writing course and learned that criticism can actually help me get better.
***
In the past, I experienced a subtle form of arrogance disguised as “professionalism.” I believed my writing was excellent, and if someone struggled to understand it, I assumed it was due to their narrow-mindedness.
This same pride afflicted the church in Laodicea, which God sternly rebuked. But why does this pride connect with the Laodiceans, known as the “lukewarm” church (Revelation 3:16)?
Among the seven churches mentioned in the Book of Revelation, only the Laodiceans are labeled “lukewarm.” Literally, “lukewarm” means neither hot nor cold. Yet, the metaphor goes beyond mere indifference or lack of enthusiasm for serving God.
Laodicea, a strategically located city, faced a water problem. The Lycus River mixed hot water from Hierapolis in the north (with medicinal properties) and fresh water from the east. This blend resulted in cloudy, undrinkable water. From this geographical context, “lukewarm” takes on a clearer meaning: uselessness—water that neither heals nor refreshes.
Why was the Laodicean church pronounced as useless? Let’s look at Revelation 3:17-18:
“You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.”
The Laodicean church faced a serious issue: they believed they were self-sufficient, but in reality, they were spiritually impoverished and in need of Christ’s help. The city of Laodicea, known for its prosperity as a producer of black wool and eye ointment, faced an earthquake in 60 AD. Because of their wealth, they rejected outside aid, even from the emperor’s relief fund. Their material abundance led to a false sense of spiritual sufficiency. They felt rich while spiritually poor, well-dressed while spiritually naked, and believed they could cure blindness when they themselves were blind. Jesus Christ offered Himself as the solution, urging them to desire Him above all else.
The Laodicean church wasn’t lacking enthusiasm; rather, they suffered from misplaced confidence. They thought they were good enough without depending on Christ.
False spiritual sufficiency can show up in a church that stops faithfully preaching the Gospel, no longer esteems Christ as supremely valuable, and compromises on sin instead of wholeheartedly submitting to Christ. Remember, the church isn’t just a physical building or organization—it’s about each one of us.
***
Despite the harsh words from my relative, I’m grateful for the criticism that prompted self-reflection. The Holy Spirit enabled me to accept harsh feedback humbly. Lacking humility, I might miss the dangerous arrogance lurking behind my professional facade.
Do we forget Christ, the giver of all that is good and beautiful, when praises and achievements inflate our ego?
In closing, let me share a quote from Pastor Yakub Tri Handoko:
“If we seek only physical sufficiency, we can find it without Christ. Satan offers popularity and physical blessings (Matthew 4:1-11). Hard work enriches the wealthy (Proverbs 10:4). But when we no longer rely on Christ, we risk becoming the lukewarm church He cautions us about.”
May we invite the Holy Spirit to search our hearts and lead us along the eternal path.
Blessed be Christ, now and forever!
Our Daily Bread Ministries in Indonesia is supported by the freewill offering of individuals in Indonesia, who through their gifts enable us to continue to bring the life-changing wisdom of the Bible to many here. We are not funded by any church or organisation.
