Have You Become Lukewarm?

15) I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16) So, because you are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, I am about to spit you out of My mouth.

Revelation 3:15-16 (NIV)

According to history, the region of Laodicea was home to two springs: one produced hot water, the other cold. When drawn directly from the source, the hot water could serve a multitude of purposes; however, by the time it flowed through the aqueducts, it arrived lukewarm and ended up being completely useless. In this sense, it held no value—fit only to be cast aside; it was, in fact, even worse than the cold water. Drawing upon this imagery, Jesus compared Christians to hot water and non-Christians to cold water, employing this analogy to arrive at His conclusion regarding those who—at some point in their journey—had become lukewarm.

When Jesus speaks of lukewarmness—declaring that He would vomit out the one who is lukewarm—contrary to what many believe, He is not addressing non-Christians who have rejected the grace of God manifested in Him. Rather, He is referring to Christians: those who have accepted Him but no longer burn with the fire of the Spirit; those who speak of Him but neglect to give Him priority in their lives; those who care far more about the things of the world than about His will for their existence. It is essential to understand that non-Christians cannot be "lukewarm," for they are spiritually dead.

Are you among those who have become lukewarm? If you care little about walking in the footsteps of Christ; if you no longer have it in your heart to proclaim the Gospel of salvation to lost souls; If you care little about supporting the weak and praying for the sick—but instead live exactly as you please, solely to satisfy your own desires—then know this: not only have you become lukewarm toward Christ, but you have also lost your "first love" for Him. Therefore, my friend, there is still time to pull yourself together and become fervent once again, for the glory of Christ.

May the grace and peace of God be with you.