Lukewarm

In the Book of Revelation (3:15:22), Jesus is speaking to both us as individuals and the church as a whole when He says He know(s) thy work. Many times, we convince ourselves that Jesus somehow cannot tell, or doesn't care when we keep one foot in the world and one foot in heaven. In other words, some of us are riding the fence! In this particular passage of scripture, Christ is telling us to choose a side. Similar to Joshua 25:15 choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, Jesus is clearly telling us that we cannot both live for Him and for the world. When we do, we are asking Him to bless the very things in our lives we keep from Him. Jesus is so passionate about this topic, He describes our being lukewarm as to something that has made Him so sick, he spits it out of His mouth!

In verse 17, Jesus describes in detail how some have fooled themselves into thinking they do not need Him in their lives. "I am doing okay". "I went to church, did my (one hour) duty so leave me alone". "I will reach out to Jesus when I need Him." All of us, at one time or another, have become complacent in our relationship with God. This is not what Christ is referring to. He is, however, speaking about when we knowingly and purposely leave Him out of certain areas of our lives so that we can still enjoy being a part of the world.

Look in the Book of Matthew (10:32-33 and 12:30) Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before me, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad. If you are hot on Sundays, but cold throughout the rest of the week...you are LUKEWARM. Those who say or feel it is okay to acknowledge Jesus is Lord in their lives, but then choose not to place Him first in in every aspect of their lives are against Him. Jesus wants and deserves more.

Are you living a double-minded life? If so, I encourage you to fall on your knees, ask God for forgiveness and invite Him to be first in every part of your life. Purify and cleanse your heart of the things you are placing above Jesus, He is worthy...

Pastor Aaron