“To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne…” (Rev. 3:21 NKJ).
In the book of Revelation, each of the seven churches in Asia is promised a different reward for overcoming the flesh, the world and the devil. These rewards include the privilege of eating of the tree of life and the hidden manna, power over the nations, being clothed in white raiment, and being made a pillar in the temple of God.
The last church mentioned was Laodicea. The reward offered them was this promise to be enthroned with Jesus in a place of glory and honor.
There are many similarities between tendencies of the Laodiceans and the modern-day Church. Their lukewarmness, complacency, smugness, and spiritual conceit are characteristics we see prevalent in many of our churches today.
I used to think the greatest rewards were reserved for the martyrs. Surely, I thought, giving up one’s life for the cause of Christ would bring great rewards. Second on my reward list were the missionaries. If anybody deserved special rewards for self-sacrifice, doubtless was this group of brave people who have given up everything to go witness to foreign people.
But the truth is, the greatest reward is promised to those who can keep a zeal alive, a flame of devotion, and a spiritual intensity in a world filled with apathy and spiritual indifference. Keeping the fire of the Holy Ghost burning in the midst of ineptitude, mediocrity, and spiritual lethargy results in the privilege of sitting on the throne with Jesus.
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.