HOLD TIGHTLY
Today's reading: Revelation 1-6

"...I will ask nothing more of you except that you hold tightly to what you have until I come." Revelation 2:24-25 NLT

A few facts up front:

-In my Bible, this passage of Scripture is written in red. Jesus' words. Not a commentary about what He said or what another understood Him to say. His words.

-It's written to the church of Thyratira. A church complimented for its love, faith, service and patient endurance.

-It's about the one complaint God had against this church. The critique. The constructive criticism.

-It's to let them know they were letting things in the church (idols) that did not belong.

So, I believe Jesus is telling them, and telling us, keep it simple. There is no need to add to His message or decorate His truth.

He's saying I've asked you to hold on to the hope of Me. Nothing else. No bells and whistles attached to it, just the assurance that My promises will come true. Don't watch others, make sure you're doing what I ask of you.

That being said--what are you wearing yourself out with? Is it holding on, or is it polishing, decorating and embellishing the hope He gave you at salvation? Is it trying to do it a new way? Is it attempting to spin plates in your church? Is it standing strong and stalwart on points of no interest to our Lord?

New teachings, worldly distractions and easier ways will distract us and cause us to wander from His one expectation for us.