Written by Rev. Dave Hearn
District Superintendent
One of the TV programs that we love to watch as a family is "American Idol." In particular we enjoy the first few programs where the good, the bad, and the ugly are showcased. One of the most illuminating aspecys of this part of the show is how individuals can have such an inaccurate perspective of their talent or should I say lack of talent. The scenario seems the same for each of these misguided individuals. They enter the audition room with an almost cocky air of confidence. The judges welcome them and invite them to sing. The next few moments are filled with awkward, strained and at times unbearable noises that bear no resemblance to the song choice. The judges do their best to help the performer understand that they are just not talented enough for this kind of competition. Usually, Simon Cowl, known for his direct manner, will roll his eyes and bluntly declare; "That was horrific!" That which seems obvious to everyone listening, seems to completely elude the contestant. They beg for another chance or simply ignore the judges and attempt to sing another song. Some are even so adamant that they need an escort out of the audition room. It never fails to surprise me that people can be so self-deluded or blind in areas that seems so obvious...until I look in the mirror!
One of the most startling aspects of my recent trip to Turkey was exploring the ruins of Laodicea. The church in Laodicea was incredibly wealthy. It was at the crossroads of the North/South and East/West trade routes which made it one of the most lucrative places for business in the ancient world. It was known for its very expensive 'Black wool' which was in high demand by the wealthy. The church itself has a very high opinion of its health and well-being. They saw themselves as wealthy, well clothed and very insightful. They had no needs that they could not sufficiently handle and had developed a pride in their stability and image. "You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing". (Rev. 3:17). However, when they stood before the head of the Church for their 'spiritual audition'' there was a profound wake-up call. He declared; "But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked." (Rev. 3:17). You can almost hear the church members wondering if the message was somehow inaccurate! 'Could we just have another audition, we really are much better than you think!" The sad truth was that they had lost touch with who they really were and how far they had fallen in their intimacy with the living Christ. In fact, Christ was actually on the outside of the church knocking and waiting for an invitation back in! What a shock for such a well established, well respected church!
This was a 'wakeup' call for me personally. How is my 'soul' really? Am I as passionate, committed and dedicated as I was at the beginning of my spiritual journey or have I drifted into a place of complacency and self-delusion? Is our family of Churches as vibrant as we once were? Are we as alive to the Holy Spirit's leading as our forefathers were at the beginning of our movement? A.B. Simpson declared; "We believe that it is the plan of the Lord to pour out His Spirit not only in the ordinary, but also in the extraordinary gifts and operations of His power, in proportions as His people press forward to claim the evangelization of the entire world." Are we sseing this? Are we still pressing hard to claim the evangelization of the entire world? What would be the verdict of our spiritual audition?
At the end of the letter to the church at Laodicea there was a profound and compelling invitation. "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me" (Rev. 3:20). The invitation of Christ is such a powerful one. He still stands at the door and 'knocks'. One of the most fascinating pieces of modern art ever produced (1853-54) is by William Holman Hunt and is called "The Light of the World". It depicts the scene of Christ standing at the door knocking. If you look close you will notice that the door in the painting has no handle, and thus cannot be opened except from the inside. That person on the inside is the center of the picture because no single generation of persons is represented by the character inside the door. Each generation must decide for itself whether it will open the door or keep God waiting outside. Christ still stands at the outside of the door, waiting, ever waiting. Will we invite Him in? Simpson cried, 'Oh, for the baptism of fire! Oh, for the living coal upon the burning lips of love! Oh, for men and women God-possessed and self-surrendered, grasping God' s great idea and pressing forward toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Sounds like a great audition!
