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 had become neither hot nor cold. They weren’t passionately pursuing Jesus, but they weren’t openly against Him either. They were just sort of “meh.” And it is pretty clear from this passage that the “meh” attitude does not glorify Him in any way!
Have you ever taken a drink of coffee that you thought was going to be nice and hot, only to discover it had been sitting on the counter for an hour? Not exactly what you were hoping for! Jesus used a similar picture to describe the spiritual condition of church in Laodicea. Their lukewarm attitude was so distasteful that He said it made Him want to spit them out.
What was their problem? They had become so wealthy and comfortable that they thought they didn’t need anything. They were impressed with what they had accumulated, but they couldn’t see how spiritually needy they had become. They had money in the bank, but they were bankrupt in the areas that mattered most.
Jesus lovingly confronted their condition. He told them to receive their gold from Him, representing true spiritual riches, and to put on white garments so they would no longer be exposed and vulnerable. He wanted them to open their eyes and recognize what was really happening in their lives. Their material wealth had given them a false sense of security, and they had lost sight of their need and trust in Him.
Then Jesus gave them an amazing invitation. He told them He was standing at the door and knocking. Think about that for a moment. The One who should have been at the center of their church was standing outside, waiting to be invited in! Yet He hadn’t given up on them. He was still calling them to open the door so they could enjoy fellowship with Him and His blessings on them.
This is still the heart of Jesus today. He doesn’t want us to become so comfortable with our lives that we forget how much we need Him. He wants us to be passionate about our relationship with Him, trusting Him to provide our resources, protect us, and give us wisdom to recognize the enemy’s schemes. He wants to be involved in every part of our lives, not just the parts we think are spiritual.
Sometimes we can get so busy doing things for God that we forget to spend time with God. We can attend church, serve in ministry, read our Bible, and check all the right boxes while our hearts slowly become distracted. Jesus isn’t looking for a checklist. He wants a relationship!
He wants to be the light shining inside of us, guiding our steps, protecting our hearts, and leading others to His love and salvation. He wants to walk with us in the morning, at work, in our homes, while we’re running errands, and even when we’re stuck in traffic wondering if everyone else forgot how to drive!
Here are a few points from this chapter to help us remember to keep our faith and trust in Him:
1. Don’t let comfort make you forget your need for Jesus.
The Laodiceans had become so satisfied with their possessions that they believed they had everything they needed. But no amount of money, success, or earthly security can take the place of a thriving relationship with Jesus. We need Him every single day.
Here are a few ways to put this into practice:
- Start your day with Jesus. Before checking your phone, scrolling through social media, or looking at your to do list, spend time with Him. Begin with a simple prayer thanking Him for another day and asking Him to lead you.
- Recognize where you’re depending on yourself. Ask the Lord to show you areas where you’ve become comfortable doing things in your own strength. Invite Him into those decisions and challenges.
- Practice being thankful. Thank God for what He’s provided, but remember that the greatest gift isn’t what He puts in your hands. It’s the relationship you have with Him.
- Make room for Him throughout your day. You don’t have to wait until tomorrow morning to talk with God. Take a moment to pray before a meeting, while driving, or when you need wisdom for a difficult conversation.
2. Keep your spiritual passion burning.
Jesus wasn’t interested in a casual, halfhearted relationship. He wanted their hearts! Our relationship with Him should be more than something we fit into our schedule when we have a few extra minutes. He deserves to be first.
Here are a few ways to keep your passion for Him growing:
- Spend time in His Word. Don’t just read to finish a chapter. Take time to understand what God is saying and put it into practice. Even one verse that you carry with you throughout the day can make a difference.
- Stay connected to the body of Christ. Make gathering with other believers a priority. Give God the first part of your week by worshiping together, learning His Word, and encouraging one another at weekend service.
- Worship beyond Sunday. Turn on worship music while you’re getting ready, driving, or doing things around the house. Let your heart stay focused on who He is.
- Be intentional about serving others. Look for opportunities to encourage someone, meet a need, or share the love of Jesus. A heart that’s passionate about Him will overflow into the lives of others.
3. Open every door of your life to Jesus.
Revelation 3:20 gives us such a beautiful picture of the heart of Jesus. He stands at the door and knocks, inviting us into fellowship with Him. He doesn’t want to be invited into just one room of our lives while we keep the other doors locked. He wants access to everything!
Here are a few ways to open the door:
- Invite Him into your relationships. Ask Him to help you love people well, forgive quickly, and respond with grace when someone pushes your buttons. And we all know there are people who seem to have a special gift for pushing those buttons!
- Give Him your work. Ask Him to help you have the right attitude, make wise decisions, and do your best wherever He’s placed you.
- Let Him lead your choices. Before making a decision, ask yourself if you’re inviting God into it or simply asking Him to bless what you’ve already decided to do.
- Pay attention to His leading. When He prompts you to encourage someone, take a step of faith, or make a change, don’t keep putting it off. Be willing to respond.
Jesus isn’t asking for a Sunday morning visit. He wants to be part of your everyday life. He wants to share your joys, carry your burdens, direct your decisions, and help you become more like Him.
Today I want to encourage you to refuse to settle for a lukewarm relationship with Jesus. Don’t let the busyness, comfort, or distractions of life slowly push Him to the outside of your heart. Keep your passion for Him burning by making time for His presence, depending on Him for everything you need, and inviting Him into every area of your life. Remember, the greatest riches you can ever possess aren’t found in what you own, but in knowing the One who owns it all. Jesus is still knocking, and He wants to spend time with you. Open the door, welcome Him in, and let His presence be the greatest part of your everyday life!
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.” ’ ”
Journal:
- Are there areas of my life where I’ve become comfortable or self sufficient and forgotten how much I need Jesus?
- What are some things that have distracted me from spending quality time with the Lord?
- Is there an area of my life where I’ve been keeping the door closed instead of inviting Jesus in? What would it look like to surrender that area to Him?
- What is one practical thing I can do today to grow my passion for Jesus and make Him a greater part of my everyday life?
