LUKEWARM WARNING

Revelations 3:16  But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth!

Have you ever swam in a lukewarm pool during the summer? It’s not refreshing at all and just makes you feel kind of yuck. Have you ever stepped into a nice, hot bath to only realize the water was only lukewarm? It’s not relaxing and it’s very disappointing. Have you ever had a friend that you’ve done a lot for and helped them out in tough situation and when it comes time for them to have your back they stay neutral? Its discouraging and disheartening. Imagine how Jesus feels when we are lukewarm with our faith. But what is being lukewarm you may be asking? Mainly it is not taking a stand or making an effort to proclaim your faith in Jesus. Here are a few ways you can test and see if you are living with a lukewarm faith.

1.   Do you ask God before making decisions in your life?

Matthew 6:33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

God wants us to seek his guidance and council in all aspects of our lives, not just the big areas. Not just when we need a healing or a miraculous work. He wants us to trust him to guide us in our finances, jobs, relationships and the list goes on. Do you ask him for guidance before you purchase a house? And what if he were to say no it’s not the right time? Do you ask his guidance before buying a new vehicle? What if he said the one you have is fine? Do you ask his guidance before getting into a relationship, friend or romantic? What if he said they aren’t right for you? It’s not only that we need to ask his guidance but we need to take it when he gives it. A sign of being lukewarm is thinking that you are fine, you need no help, you are ok where you are in life. It’s the mindset that even if God steers you one way, you choose your own path.

2.   Do you give unto the world around you?

Galatians 6:10 So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.

Hebrews 13:6 And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

Cold water is refreshing and invigorating while hot water disinfects, cleans and purifies, but lukewarm water has nothing to contribute. Do you contribute to the world you live in? If someone were to ask a coworker or friend about you, what would they say? Would they say you were positive, uplifting and encouraging? Would they say you just keep to yourself and don’t interact with the people around you unless you have to? Giving of our time and energy, even if we don’t feel like it, is one of the most important parts of being a “hot” Christian. Don’t get me wrong, we have to give of our money as well with tithes and offerings, but giving of your personal time is profoundly enriching to the world. Every time we give positively of our time and energy, we are giving pieces of ourselves, which in turn is giving the world a piece of Jesus. We are sacrificing ourselves for the people around us. It’s not enough to sit in your corner and go through life, not going out of your way to speak and interact with people. Just coasting through life “not bothering anyone” and “not rocking the boat” is no better than lukewarm water which God will spew from his mouth.

3.   Are you stuck in a rut?

Zephania 1:12 "It will come about at that time That I will search Jerusalem with lamps, And I will punish the men Who are stagnant in spirit, Who say in their hearts, 'The LORD will not do good or evil!'

What does your “church routine” look like? Do you get up Sunday morning, put your best clothes on, drive to church, sit in your seat that you sit in every service, stand up and sing along, sit down and listen to sermon and go home? Church should not be a routine. Faith should not be routine. Yes, there needs to be structure but a routine is a prison for the mind. Zero creativity and zero power comes out of routine. How is God going to work a creative miracle in your life when there isn’t time in your routine for him. We need to free our minds and free our time to allow God’s to plan to come to life. Are you open and willing to do the works of God when he calls on you? Or will it mess up your “routine”. Being on fire for God means you are jumping at the opportunity to do his works and to heed his word. You will push anything aside to make the time and room for him. Don’t be trapped by complacency and routine. We were created for a spontaneous, abundant and colorful life full of excitement and wonder.

If you are saved and have accepted Christ into your heart, you will still go to heaven even if you are “lukewarm”, however, God has said that we will remove his hand and blessing from those who are lukewarm. He will spit you from his mouth. I don’t know about you, but it scares me to think about living in this world without God’s blessing and protection. Don’t be lukewarm! Be an active believer and a faith walker!