Hot, Cold, or Lukewarm?

We might be lukewarm if we…

…tend to choose popular over what is right

          …neglect to share our faith with family, friends, and neighbors

                    …desire approval from others more than from God

                             …continuously find ourselves “playing it safe”

…consider praying as a last resort

WARNING!

These are just a few signs of a lukewarm Christian!

“He who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.” (James 6-8)

Have you ever thought about the many benefits of hot and cold water? We typically enjoy drinking liquids that are either hot or cold. Additionally, hot water boosts our immunity and can act as a natural remedy to remove toxins and waste from our bodies, while cold water increases blood flow and has many benefits for numerous health conditions; both hot and cold water have therapeutic and even culinary uses. Lukewarm water on the other hand is barely warm, unpleasant, and useless. And just as we find lukewarm water the least appealing of all, God finds lukewarm Christians the most distasteful kind of believer.

·         Hot water people are full of passion and are on fire for God; they devote themselves to the works of Christ, share their faith, love, and enthusiasm.

·         Coldwater people are those who are wondering, lost and just need to be reached.

·         The lukewarm Christian is one who does everything halfheartedly, and who is described as unauthentic and hypocritical. Their spiritual needs are more concerned with physical and worldly needs, and they only rely and follow God half way.

The bible makes it very clear; being a lukewarm Christian is not considered good in the eyes of the Lord. When He deals with the lukewarm believer, He is angered by his half way measures!

“So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot not cold, I will spit you out of my mouth” (Revelation 3:16)

We might be lukewarm if we…

…say we love God, but don’t allow Him to control our lives…

…focus only on our own daily agendas and to-do lists…

          …require worldly pleasures, and give out our left-overs…

                   …don’t trust God when the unexpected happens…

                             …lack conviction or enthusiasm…

“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? (Matthew 5:13)

The good news is that there is a cure for lukewarm Christians! If we have grown too comfortable or self-reliant we must recognize our condition and have a sincere desire to change. When we ask the Lord to help us with this battle, He will be willing as long as we are faithful and obedient. He is more than willing to discipline and correct our attitude in order for us to repent and be on fire for Him again. With all of our hearts we have to make sure that no relationship, selfish interest, worldly possession, or profession falls from the desire to give God all the glory. We have to keep striving and advancing toward the highest standard of excellence, and in everything we think or do praise His name. When we allow God to change our priorities and attitudes, He will lead us on to reach the reward of our high calling. We must think the thoughts of His Word with Him and do that which would please Him. He won’t allow us to remain lukewarm if the desires of our hearts are to serve Him with joy and all our strength!

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