The Lukewarm Church
“I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were cold or hot.” Revelation 3:15
The lukewarm church. The church at Laodicea was neither on fire for Jesus or against Him. They were just sort of “meh”. This church had become so rich that they thought they didn’t need anything. Jesus told them it was time to make a choice . . . be cold or be hot. Jesus had very strong feelings about this church. In fact, He was so passionate about them that their lukewarm attitude had left a bad taste in His mouth. So much so that He wanted to spit them out. As Jesus lists their issues, He started with the subject of their wealth and riches. They were a wealthy church and thought they didn’t need anything from God. They didn’t realize how spiritually ignorant and dead they were. Jesus told them they needed to get their gold (resources) and white garment (protective covering) from Him so they would no longer be “naked” and vulnerable to the enemy’s attacks. He wanted them to open their eyes and see what was going on instead of being blinded by the material world. He ended His message to this church by letting them know they had the choice and the power to open the door to His presence. They had put Him outside the door to knock for an entrance. They needed to open the door to invite His presence in and to make Him Lord and the source of everything in their lives.
This is still Jesus’ heart today. He wants us to be red hot for Him or don’t even claim to be a Christian. He wants us to trust and rely on Him for our resources and protection (covering) in life. He wants us to see the tricks and traps of the enemy so we don’t get caught in them and He will always give us the power and authority to choose to let His presence guide and direct our lives. Mostly, He wants to hang out with us every day, everywhere we go. He loves us and wants to be the light shining inside of us to guide, protect, and lead others to His great love and salvation.
Today I want to encourage you to not be like the Laodiceans. Get on fire for Jesus and take His presence with you in the morning and keep His presence with you all day long. Make Him your closest and dearest friend. Be a blessing to the LORD by opening the door of every area of your life to Him so He can show you the right way to go. Develop a lift style of putting Him first in all areas. Start with a quiet time with Him each morning to commit your ways and day to Him and ask Him to lead you step by step. Give Him the first part of your week by gathering with His body in weekend service at your local church. Spend time getting to know His love and character through His word by meditating on it each day and encourage others everywhere you go. Be an example of His faithfulness by having your best attitude and doing your best work at your job and everywhere you go. Let the light that He put inside of you shine to show others the way to peace, joy and fulfillment.
Today’s scripture reading: Revelation 3:14-22
14 “And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, ‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God:
15 “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot.
16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.
17 Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked—
18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.
19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.
20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.
21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.
22 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” ’ ”
The Daily Dose 