Indifference — Neutrality — Self-Assertion

W. Trotter
Revelation 3REV 3
It will be found that these three—indifference, neutrality and self-assertion—are the great leading features of the professing Church, fully developed in its last phase. Those whose eyes are both opened and anointed at the present time see very distinctly how rapidly the growth of these evil principles is being developed. So all the elements which will reach maturity in full-blown Laodiceanism are being rapidly hurried to the front. But to see this in the midst of the clouds of dust which Satan is perpetually raising, there must be that which Scripture describes as the "senses exercised to discern both good and evil." Heb. 5:14.
The first great mark of infection with this evil principle is the indifference to Christ as Lord, which very plainly displays itself, though in a form and guise which deceive the unwary. It is true that in terms the authority of Christ is not denied, but practically it is not recognized. And, moreover, there are various shades of this, as of every evil thing, but the question is not the amount which may be accredited to us, but whether we are through grace entirely apart from it ourselves.
Has He not recently, as our Lord, given a very solemn proof of His authority as well as His right to sift and try and test that with which His name has been and is still associated on earth? And are there not many ways and forms of saying to Him, "What doest Thou?" Now what shall we say to the Lord's contention, the Lord's test, the Lord's voice like many waters, and the Lord's eyes as a flame of fire? Alas for us all if our eyes are not open to see this, and if we can rise no higher than men and their ways!
It is solemn to remember how the road has been prepared so that His way should not be perceived. The enemy has skillfully set traps to catch the feet of the saints of God. It is well for us to remember the character of his opposition now. Violence and corruption are the two great weapons by which Satan has wrought from the first, and the last is the more to be dreaded, because more subtle. "The wiles of the devil" have now to be withstood on God's ground, and we need the whole armor of God, buckled on, and the spirit of dependence maintained in order successfully to resist the foe.
Where this is not the case, as the story of the Gibeonites in Joshua sorrowfully illustrates, we fall a prey to the corrupting wiles of the devil. It will display itself where the battle rages most fiercely. In Laodicea there will be an indifference to Christ as Lord, which is deeply heartbreaking. There will be a lack of conscience and spiritual affection which would secure His blessed name from being associated with that which is repugnant to Him who is holy and true. And last, where this corruption gains entrance, there will be exhibited an antagonism to His thoughts and mind which is most solemn to contemplate.