As a youngster, I often played a game with my friends called "King of the Mountain." All we needed was a mound of dirt. One of us would declare ourselves king of the dirt pile and defeat all who would try to dethrone us. Of course, the king needed to watch all sides for a sneak attack.

The city of Sardis had a citadel on top of a mountain. The residents considered themselves safe from all enemies. But they became complacent and lazy about defense, and the city was captured.

The church at Sardis had apparently followed a similar path. Prone to laziness in their spiritual life, the church was headed for destruction. Jesus knew their deeds and was not impressed. Though they had a reputation of being alive and healthy, the Lord of the church saw the truth and said, "You are dead." Ouch!

Even so, Jesus graciously urged them to remember what they had received and heard. Calling them to repent, he gave them hope.

Do you and your church need to remember what you have received and heard? Are you spiritually alert to dangers both within and outside the church? Are people's lives being changed so that they are growing closer and closer to Jesus? If not, what does Jesus tell you to do?