OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla., (The Oklahoma Post) –
God’s Simple Command: Love Your Neighbor
God gave one simple rule: Love your neighbor. Yet, too many refuse to believe what’s happening right in front of them—whether out of cognitive dissonance or willful ignorance.
Neither individuals nor governments seem to get it right. Maybe it’s time we stop overcomplicating things and just do what was asked of us. Or, are we lukewarm?
The Greatest Commandments
Scripture makes it clear:
• Mark 12:30 – “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.”
• Mark 12:31 – “The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
• Romans 13:10 – “Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.”
Yet, many today live as though these words are suggestions rather than commandments. In both individual lives and government actions, we see a world that fails to love, to see truth, and to act in righteousness.
The Lukewarm Church: Are We Like Laodicea?
The church of Laodicea in the Book of Revelation provides a chilling warning about spiritual complacency. Jesus’ words were not gentle:
Revelation 3:15-16 – “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.”
Laodicea was a wealthy, self-sufficient city that thrived in trade, finance, and medicine. Yet, Jesus condemned them—not for outright rebellion, but for spiritual indifference. They were comfortable, complacent, and blind to their own failures.
Parallels Between Laodicea and the United States
1. Wealth & Materialism
• Laodicea: A city known for banking, trade, and luxury, yet Jesus said: “You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.” (Revelation 3:17)
• The U.S.: One of the wealthiest nations in history, yet material success often leads to spiritual complacency, where people trust wealth over God.
• Trade Wars & Economic Warfare – The U.S. has entered into a trade war with Canada, one of its closest allies. Instead of diplomacy, tariffs and economic pressure have replaced goodwill, hurting both nations economically. Is this how a nation “loves its neighbor” in global relations?
2. Self-Sufficiency & Pride
• Laodicea: Refused financial aid from Rome after an earthquake, believing they could rebuild on their own.
• The U.S.: Built on a culture of rugged individualism, often rejecting dependence on God in favor of self-sufficiency and personal power. Cooperation is an inevitable need on the international landscape. Anybody that enjoys their way of life in the United States, may soon find that international aid has been needed in the past and will certainly be needed in the future.
• American Isolationism in Ukraine – While Russia bombs Ukrainian cities, the U.S. plays power games, trying to corner Ukraine into submission while offering selective support. Instead of leading with love and justice, American foreign policy often serves economic or military interests over genuine aid and peace efforts. North Korean soldiers certainly offer no peace on the ground. Morality is not a core curriculum in their military training. Where do negotiations start in this situation? How can the United States honor God in this situation? Because in God we trust, not an “Administration”.
3. Moral and Spiritual Lukewarmness
• Laodicea: Neither hot nor cold—they acknowledged God but did not fully commit.
• The U.S.: Increasingly embraces moral relativism, where truth is subjective, faith is optional, and Christianity is cultural rather than transformational. Many claim to follow God but live as if He is irrelevant.
• America’s Hypocrisy on Human Rights – The U.S. often condemns other nations for human rights abuses while turning a blind eye to its own failings—from police brutality to mistreatment of vulnerable populations.
4. Luxury & Entertainment Culture
• Laodicea: Famous for medicine, fashion (black wool), and wealth, leading to self-indulgence and comfort-seeking.
• The U.S.: Thrives on consumerism, entertainment, and convenience, often prioritizing pleasure over righteousness.
• Bread and Circuses of the 21st Century – Instead of addressing serious national and global issues, the U.S. distracts itself with reality TV, social media debates, and endless entertainment. Are we too comfortable to care?
5. Spiritual Blindness
• Laodicea: Known for their eye salve, yet Jesus said they were spiritually blind (Revelation 3:18).
• The U.S.: Has access to more Bibles, churches, and religious resources than any nation in history, yet many ignore faith, distort biblical truth, or twist scripture to fit their personal views.
• Blind to the Suffering of Others – From neglecting the homeless to profiting off war, the U.S. struggles with seeing beyond its own interests. We fail to love our neighbor when we cannot even see them.
What’s the Solution?
Jesus provided a clear roadmap for Laodicea’s repentance. The same applies to the U.S. and individuals today:
1. Buy His refined gold – Seek true spiritual wealth, not material riches.
2. Wear His white garments – Pursue righteousness and holiness, not self-sufficiency.
3. Use His eye salve – Open our eyes to God’s truth rather than remaining blind.
The real answer is a return to genuine faith, repentance, and action. Loving God fully and loving others is not an option—it’s a command.
Will we wake up, or will we stay lukewarm?
(Opinion Writing by Devon Michaels; Editing by Robbie Robertson)
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