Don't Settle for Good

Of all the churches in Asia Minor, the church in Laodicea was the most wealthy and self-sufficient. The city of Laodicea was known for its financial strength, its medical advances, and its linen and wool industry. It was so wealthy that after a devastating earthquake in A.D. 60, Laodicea was the only city not asking for financial assistance from Rome. In the Annals (xiv.27), Tacitus wrote: "Laodicea arose from the ruins by the strength of her own resources, and with no help from us."

Laodicea was also a home to a medical school for eye doctors, and it was well-known for producing an eye salve sold all over the Roman Empire. What's more, Laodicea made black linens: rare, beautiful, and in high demand. In short, Laodiceans enjoyed a pretty charmed life. They had it all—material wealth, bodily health, and the finest clothes around. "I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing" (v. 17).

We must face the fact that many today are notoriously careless in their living. This attitude finds its way into the church. We have liberty, we have money, we live in comparative luxury. As a result, discipline practically has disappeared. What would a violin solo sound like if the strings on the musician's instrument were all hanging loose, not stretched tight, not "disciplined"?

Source: A. W. Tozer in Men Who Met God. Christianity Today, Vol. 32, no. 5.

The Cure for Settling

Chase after things that are eternal.

Clothe yourself with Godly characteristics.

Clarify what you are looking for.