The dangers of lukewarmness • Deshen Daily

I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth (Revelation 3:15–16 KJV)

The River of God showing a flowing stream

Jesus addressed the Christians in Laodicea with the words above. He said He would they were either cold or hot but because they are lukewarm, He will spit them out of His mouth. He uses the analogy of cold, hot or lukewarm water. Theologians think this imagery is derived from the water-supply of Laodicea, which appears to have been drawn from hot springs at some distance, so that it arrived at the city lukewarm. This forms a contrast with the hot springs at nearby Hierapolis and the cold, refreshing water at Colosse. ‘Hot water heals, cold water refreshes, but lukewarm water is useless for either purpose, and can serve only as an emetic.’

An alternative interpretation of cold may mean outright denial, rejection or opposition of the faith. Whatever the case, the issue at hand was lukewarmness. It is having a form of godliness but denying its power. It is professing christianity yet without any zeal, fire, commitment or practice. Lukewarmness is a spiritual disaster. it does not advance the cause of Christ; neither does it openly reject or oppose it. It stands in between and ultimately drags it to the ground.

Jesus rebuked the Laodiceans for their lukewarmness. Beware of lukewarmness in your own life.

MEDITATE

What are the two interpretations of the meaning of cold in the verse above? What are the strong reasons for and against each view?

APPLY THE WORD

Are you standing and walking with Christ or you are undecided, uncommitted, apathetic? The Lord does not like lukewarmness. Do not allow yourself to slip into this middle zone. Lukewarm Christians do not say no to the world, neither do they say no to Christ. You find the world and Christ in their lives at the same time. Step out of this zone into the place of fire for God!