LUKEWARM
"I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were either one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth!"
Revelation 3:15-16 (NLT)
Christ doesn’t begin His address to the church of Laodicea positively but with condemnation of the lukewarm nature of their faith. Christ would rather the members of this church be hot or cold, in or out, rather than neutral. It should shock us that Christ would rather us be antagonistic to our faith than lukewarm.
The imagery of Christ spitting the Laodicean members out of His mouth is meant to be disgusting. Does this image describe you?
Jon Bloom says, If a fever is a symptom of disease in the body, lukewarmness is a symptom of the disease of unfaithfulness in the soul.
Jesus’ stark example should shake us up. Are we on fire for the Lord or complacent in our approach to prayer and worship, mindlessly going through the motions? The idea of being spit out should deter us from a lackluster faith and move us towards a faith ignited in Christ, the mission of God, and love for people.
APPLICATION: Ask Christ to show you ways you've grown complacent towards Him. Write them down. Ask Him to rouse your spirit in those areas.
PRAYER:
Christ,
Ignite my faith in You. Point out ways I’ve grown complacent. God, guide me to people who’ll encourage my growth in devotion and steps to warm my heart in faith. Please help me share that fire with others.
Amen.