Cure for Lukewarm Christians

Chuckle: "Mama," asked the little girl, "if men go to heaven, too, why don't angels have whiskers?" "Because, dear," her mother answered, "men get to heaven by a very close shave." --Gertrude Pierson

Good Quote: “Because of indifference, one dies before one actually dies.” --Elie Wiesel

CURE FOR LUKEWARM CHRISTIANS

"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).

If, after reading yesterday's lesson, you find yourself in a state of "lukewarmness" toward God and His church and you have been convicted by the Holy Spirit of your need to change, how would God have you go about it?

First, we must recognize our lukewarm condition. If we have grown comfortable, self-reliant, content, and without a burning spiritual purpose, we are lukewarm Christians. As I said previously, each one of us, at some point in our Christian life, has experienced times of being lukewarm. However, God does not want us to stay that way.

Second, we must have a sincere desire to change. This desire comes from the Holy Spirit as we yield to His direction. This may be where you are right now. If so, please listen to these words from our Lord to the lukewarm Christians in the church of Laodicea. "I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so that you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on you eyes, so you can see. Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat (fellowship) with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:18-20 NIV).

Third, we must repent and allow God to change us. Let Him totally rework our attitudes and priorities. Listen to these words with an open heart! "Never be lacking in zeal (lazy in your work), but keep your spiritual fervor (enthusiasm) in serving the Lord" (Romans 12:11 NIV). "Maintain your spiritual glow" (Moffett). Also, the psalmist says, "Zeal (passion) for your (God's) house consumes (burns within) me" (Psalm 69:9 NIV). Repentance and cleansing are the keys to regaining that spiritual fervor. If we allow God to give us renewed zeal, here are some results that we will experience (See Romans 12:12 NIV):

(1) We will be a joyful people. "Be joyful in hope." (2) We will endure difficulties with patience. "Be patient in affliction." (3) We will be faithful in prayer. "Be faithful in prayer." (4) We will serve others. "Share with God's people who are in need." (5) We will be hospitable toward everyone. "Practice hospitality." (6) We will seek opportunities for service. The body of Christ (church) "grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work" (Ephesians 4:16 NIV). (7) We will speak boldly about Jesus. "For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard" (Acts 4:20 NIV). (8) We will not neglect church attendance and fellowship. "Forsake not the assembling of yourselves together" (Hebrews 10:25 NIV).

God's kingdom, and this church, urgently need God's people to return to the "red-hot" zeal for Him and His work. We need spiritual revival! We need to get excited. We need to get back to the basics of being a Christian: (1) One in whom Jesus dwells; (2) One whose life Jesus controls; and (3) One through whom Jesus is revealed.

"When you become a sports spectator rather than a participant, the wrong things happen to your body. Your weight, blood pressure, resting heart-rate, cholesterol, and triglycerides all go up. Vital capacity, oxygen consumption, flexibility, stamina, and physical strength go down. Conclusion? Only the strongest can survive as spectators." Likewise, if you have slipped into spiritual apathy, indifference, or unconcern, won't you ask God's forgiveness. And ask them to restore the joy and excitement of your salvation and the fervor for His service. Get in the game! Become an excited, contributing, and happy Christian.

Love, Jerry & Dotse