One of the letters to the churches in Revelation 2-3 is the final one written to Laodicea. IMHO it may be the most devastating one of all.
It speaks of lukewarmness. I don’t think anyone on the planet is thrilled about drinking lukewarm water. To put it frankly: it is disgusting and unfulfilling. I carry 2 water bottles on my bike. Both have been partially frozen, then just before I leave I fill them to the brim with a cold liquid-water, Gatorade, or Hammer’s Heed. I like drinking cold, refreshing liquid- whatever it may be-while riding. But even the greatest care cannot stop the drink from thawing and if if I ride long enough, for it to turn lukewarm.
What does it mean for a church or a follower of Jesus to turn lukewarm? Apathetic. Lethargic. Passive. Maybe even lazy would be an appropriate word. A disconnect happens between our spiritual lives and our real lives.
It is a danger for all of us, not matter who we are and no matter what we do.
It is sort of like the person who sleep walks. They do it and don’t even realize it is happening. They have no recollection of wandering, of maybe engaging in conversation, of interacting in any way. I think it is safe to say “totally oblivious.”
There are those who are the same way spiritually. Pulled by side events. Sidetracked. Spiritual things become secondary. I used the words earlier: we become lethargic. Apathetic. Passive.
I Thess. 5:6 says, “So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober (clearheaded).” (ESV)
That’s a good warning for all of us.
That is a good warning… We do need to be alert and clear headed, ready to share, ready to defend, ready to fight the good fight, ready to respond to His call.
Well said Ryan. Only then can we respond.
Great point Bill. The enemy loves to distract us and keep us so focus on things that we often times do not see that we have lost our spiritual guide in the Lord. What’s even worse is if you find yourself defending your weak spiritual self, saying you are focused when you are not. God constantly reminds us to love him with all of our heart, soul, and strength, He knows how easy it is to get off track. We are no different than the Israelites. Father please help us to keep our eyes focused on You alone. Daily we must surrender, and renew our faith and trust in You. Only You Father can keep our paths straight, help us not to pulled into any other way.
Love your comment Gail and your prayer is spot on.
May we not fall into this trap, Bill. The one thing that shouldn’t be lukewarm is our love for the Lord.
Blessings!
I agree 100% Martha. A daily struggle for sure.