Neither Hot Nor Cold

Chuckle: "I wonder why people say 'amen' and not 'awomen'? Bobby questioned. His little friend replied, "Because they sing 'hymns' and not 'hers,' silly?"

Good Quote: “The danger of our becoming lukewarm is not from without—the danger is within.” --Reed Smoot

NEITHER HOT NOR COLD!

"I know your deeds, that you are neither cold or hot. I wish you were one or the other! So, because you are Lukewarm -- neither hot nor cold -- I am about to spit you out of my mouth" (Revelation 3:15-16 NIV). "Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord" (Romans 12:11 NIV).

Laodicea was a wealthy city. But it had always had a problem with its water supply. At one time, an aqueduct brought water to the city from some hot springs. But by the time the water reached the city, it was neither hot nor refreshingly cool -- only lukewarm. Using the words of Jesus, the apostle John, used this example of bland and tepid water to describe the Christians in the church at Laodicea. Because they had become lukewarm, they had become distasteful to the Lord - like a lukewarm drink. This metaphor describes not taking a stand for anything: indifference; complacency; and idleness. By neglecting to be devoted and active servants for Christ, the congregation had become hardened and self-satisfied, and was destroying itself. It was content with the status-quo. They saw no need for change or to be concerned.

I believe there is nothing more repugnant to God than a lukewarm, half-hearted, self-sufficient Christian or church. There should be excitement, zeal, and fervor in everything we do for our Lord. When we stop to consider what God has done for us, how can we be anything but zealous? However, sadly, the greatest sickness that plagues the church today is half-hearted complacency by its members. What constitutes a Lukewarm-warm Christian?

First, the lukewarm Christians are not the ones who stay home on Sundays without cause and make no pretense of living for God. No, those, by and large, are the "cold" ones. However, these seem to be more preferable to God than the lukewarm ones because they are not pretending to be something they are not. "I wish you were (hot or cold) one or the other." On the other hand, the "Lukewarm" ones are the ones who may attend church, but give little of their attention, time, and energy in worship or service of our Lord.

A little girl went to church one Sunday morning, but her parents stayed at home because they felt tired. When the little one returned, the father asked, "What did our pastor preach on this morning, dear?" "I don't remember all," said the child, "but I think his text was, Many were cold and a few were frozen." (Matthew 22:14, "Many called, few chosen" KJV).

Second, to the lukewarm Christian, church has become little more than a ritual in their lives. They attend and go through the motions of worship -- and feel they have done their religious duty for the week. They don't give much serious thought to spiritual matters again until the next time they take their Sunday clothes out of the closet. Their lives do not reflect active service for their Lord.

Third, the lukewarm Christian has a sense of contentment and peace about their Christianity. They are unaware of how far they are from where God wants them to be. Jesus said to the Laodiceans, "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 NIV).

This is a powerful message from our Lord to each of us. Each of us has become "Lukewarm" at some point in our Christian experience. However, this is not a state in which God wants us to remain. The longer we stay in this state, the more hardened and calloused our hearts become to the wooing of the Holy Spirit as He seeks to draw us back into a love relationship with our Lord. He wants us to be happy, excited, active, and participating Christians deeply involved in the fellowship and ministries of the local church.

Love, Jerry & Dotse