Against Lukewarmness

John the Revelator wrote in Revelations 3, to the church in Laodicea. God’s contention with the church was, they were neither hot or cold. God would rather if the church would determine to be either hot or cold, but their state or lukewarmness was intolerable. We enjoy cold beverages in hot weather and we like when we have ice to make it really cold. We also like hot drinks especially when the weather is cold to increase our body temperature and to stimulate circulation. If a cold drink sits around in the heat for too long or a hot drink is left for long before being consumed, it becomes lukewarm. We will add ice to cool it down or pop it in the microwave to add heat for hot drinks.

Babies enjoy lukewarm formula because their tastebuds are not fully developed. They cannot tolerate the extreme temperatures of a cold or hot drink. For those of us who are mature, we have our senses trained to distinguish between hot or cold. This is also true of spiritual things as mature Christians can distinguish good from evil. Lukewarmness represents spiritual stagnancy. Christians are required to grow into Christ like maturity through spiritual disciplines and the daily study of the word. A lukewarm person remains on the fence and is double minded.

James described a person who prays, yet remains doubtful. He described them as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. It is difficult for that person to receive anything from God because, “he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways” (James 1:8). Elijah also challenged the people of God on Mount Carmel. “And Elijah came near to all the people and said, “How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him.” And the people did not answer him a word” (1 Kings 18:21). Elijah’s comments suggested that the people’s double mindedness was resulting in idolatry.

A lukewarm and double minded Christian is one who is not fully persuaded about serving God. If you are fully convinced that God is who he says he is, that He created the world and everything in it and He is all powerful, then this will reflect your walk with God. Unbelief, doubt, fear, guilt and double mindedness causes spiritual stagnation. Not many people will get away with admitting to being in love with two people. You will be challenged to choose one person to be with or risk losing both. God is jealous and he will not share our affection with the god of this world. Make up your mind whether or not you want to serve God and go after him with your whole heart.

“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money” (Matthew 6:24).

A.P.-Y.