Are You Lukewarm?

 

ARE YOU LUKEWARM?

 

Steve W. Reeves

 

I enjoy a cup of hot coffee in the morning as I begin my day. I prefer it with one pack of “Splenda” and a small amount of creamer. Through the years, however, I have learned to drink it as it is served with one exception. I like it “hot!”  My children and grandchildren, on the other hand, have acquired a taste for “iced coffee.” One of their favorite treats is a “Frappuccino” from Starbucks.

 

For those who prefer their beverages hot or cold the idea of one being “tepid” or “lukewarm” is not appealing. In a similar way, Revelation 3:15-16 reminds us that Jesus finds lukewarm faith extremely distasteful.

 

At the end of the first century, Christians in Laodicea lived in one of the most prosperous towns of Asia Minor (modern day Turkey). The city boasted a strong economy fueled by banking (minting of coins), textiles (wool garments) and medicine (production of salve). Laodicea was located on a vital trade route connecting the Roman Empire with the Far East. Its position on a plateau above two valleys gave it strategic importance.

 

Still, there was a problem. Laodicea had outgrown its water supply. Because of this the people relied on aqueducts to bring water from thermal, “hot” springs located ten miles north or cold springs six miles to the south. In either case, by the time the water reached the town it was “lukewarm” and distasteful, Jesus used this situation to illustrate the spiritual condition of the church in Laodicea. No longer did the torch of spiritual passion burn within their hearts. Their enthusiasm for Christ had subsided. Their service to Him had diminished. Rather than giving Jesus their best efforts they had drifted into the wasteland of mediocrity. Jesus said, “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. ¹⁶ So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth” (Revelation 3:16-17).

 

The stark scene of Jesus “spitting” them out of his mouth should jolt each of us. According to verse 17, they thought they were rich, healthy and satisfied but Jesus said they were wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked. They thought their faith was adequate but Jesus told them to repent and give urgent attention to their spiritual lives.

 

Does the message of Jesus to the church at Laodicea strike a chord with us? Have we become smug in our material comfort? Is our spiritual temperature hot, warm or cold? Please examine your heart and make sure your life is not “lukewarm.”