In our study of Revelation, we discover the church of Sardis needed the Lord's revelation of who they were. We too need to ask the Lord, where are we and what does He have planned for us? Jesus told the church of Sardis, you think you're alive but you're dead.  You've allowed pride to sneak in. True humility is developed in the testing of life - true humility is moving out toward other people, being aware of their hurts and their needs.

Jesus tells them to remember how they received the Gospel and how they became disciples. It is through His love that meets us, opens our ears and draws us to Him.  The most subtle and dangerous form of pride is spiritual pride. The pride of grace, as we will call it motivates us to compare ourselves with other churches or believers.  It allows us to think that we have somehow earned or merited God's favor. 

God has called us to build on what truly matters - the works done in true humility for our Lord.  We are encouraged to be watchful and strengthened.  We must not allow ourselves to think there is anything we can do to merit God's grace. Spiritual pride causes us to think our works are "good enough" to merit God's favor.  They are not.  It is only by His grace and His love we are allowed to enjoy the life He has for us.