December 12th: I’m not lukewarm, but I know people who are!

by Dennis Johnston

Scripture:

“I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold.  I wish that you were one or the other.”   Revelation 3:15

Observation:

These words describe the spiritual condition of the church in Laodicea.  So it appears this church had life in her, but she was not “alive.”  She had an affection for God, but she didn’t have a fervent desire to be with him.

Application:

I must admit – at first glance I look outward when I read this verse.  I think about those other people.  The reality is – these words are for me first.  My caution to you is this: do not assume that your spiritual condition is hot.

 

A person that is neither hot nor cold is lukewarm.  Have you ever had lukewarm coffee or hot chocolate?  Yuck!  Lukewarm people attend church regularly – it’s what is expected of us Christians.  That’s what a good Christian does.  Even serves on a ministry team on a weekly basis.

 

“The Lord says: ‘These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.  Their worship of me is made up only of rules taught by men” (Isaiah 29:13).

 

As a Christ-follower God desires to be in an intimate relationship with me where I’m passionate about Him – about us.  He even “wishes” that I were one or the other.  So how do I avoid being lukewarm?

 

Christ is standing at the door and knocking – asking to be closer to me (v. 20).  He desires a close friendship.  He knows all the things I do – that’s not what He’s concerned about.  He is self-sufficient and doesn’t need me, yet He desires to partner with me and spend time and grow together.  I can start my spending more time reading about Him and learning about Him as we journey through the Bible together.  I will give Him more of my time!

Prayer:

God – you are awesome!  Thank you for helping me realize you desire more of my time.  In giving you that – I can then give you more of my heart.