Hot, Cold, Or Lukewarm?

Karen

“I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.”

—Revelation 3:15–16

Lawn chair? Check! Extra blanket? Check! Piping-hot drink to ward of any chill? Check!

It was opening day for my son’s travel baseball team. I’d gathered all the components for a picture-perfect time and headed up to our town’s ball fields. Now all I had to do was sit back and watch my boy throw strikes and hit balls while I hollered and cheered from the sidelines. (Yes, I am that woman!)

Just a few minutes into the game, I remembered I’d left my drink in the car. I trekked back to the parking lot to get it. When I got back to the field, I settled in my chair and took a sip of my custom-made latte from our local coffeehouse. How I’d looked forward to sipping on that hot drink on this chilly day! Only now it wasn’t hot. It was lukewarm. And it wasn’t very appetizing.

When it was hot, it was delicious. Why, even if it were cold, served over ice during a sunny, scorching July baseball game, it would be wonderfully refreshing. But now, in its middling temperature, it was bland and boring.

Today’s verse tells us that God had the very same problem with the church in Laodicea. Because their faith was neither hot nor cold, but had turned a disappointing temperature of lukewarm, He was ready to be rid of them. While there are differing views of the interpretation of the temperatures hot and cold, Jesus’ words are simple and clear: “I wish you were either one or the other!” (Revelation 3:15).

May we see today’s verse as a challenge. Knowing that God has no need for lukewarm, may we seek to be those who offer refreshment and healing to a dying world. May our thoughts and actions not earn us the label of indifferent or ho-hum. After all, the God of the universe is on the sidelines watching us in the great game of life. May we please Him with our heart’s desires and our actions done not to draw attention to ourselves, but only to point others to Him!

Dear Lord, teach me to be intentional in my spiritual life and not complacent. May my words, thoughts, deeds, and actions please You and not be considered lukewarm. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Do you know someone who could use some words of refreshment from you today? Or how about words that bring healing to your relationship with them?