I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will [l]spit you out of My mouth. 17 Because you say, “I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing,” and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked, 18 I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see. 19 Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; 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 will dine with him, and he with Me. 21 He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down 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. Revelation 3:15-22
I like my coffee hot. If it sits too long, it can become lukewarm. Then it needs a refresh from the pot (or a quick warm up in the microwave). That’s me! In the same way, God wants His children to be fervent (hot) for Him. Clear signs of loyalty are reassuring in life. When going into a battle, ambivalence does not breed confidence. We are in a spiritual war. We didn’t start it, but when we accepted the forgiveness of God and were adopted into His family, we left the side of rebellion and joined His army. The angel to the church in Laodicea is told that the people are ‘lukewarm’ and that’s not good. They are self-reliant instead of dependent upon God. They are materially rich, spiritually poor. They believe they see, but are blind. Others may admire their clothing, but they are naked before God. What can be done? They can buy what really matters- God’s gold refined in fire. They can commit to Him and His ways and begin an on-fire relationship of devotion to Jesus. When they do, they will overcome the world and eventually sit with Jesus, just as He overcame and is sat down with the Father. Let’s turn up the internal temperature!
Have I grown complacent in my fervor for God? How has worldliness crept in and cooled the flame that burns for godliness?
God, as this day begins- I am warming up inside, excited to go out and love Your people in Your name. But, before I do. May I reflect on Jesus. He is all I really need. His ways are perfect. He is my source and my goal. I want to draw close, hear Your voice in my heart today. Thank you for saving me. Let’s burn through this day!
Take a moment to listen to Keith Green’s wonderful song- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVgPQm06g2c
