Thought– God deserves more than a lukewarm response for what He has done for us.
Scripture- “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.” Revelations 3:15-18
Insight: In day 21 of learning to apply biblical principles to our daily life, what we are referring to as Practical Christianity, let’s consider what it means to be truly passionate about our relationship with Jesus Christ. It appears based on the Scripture above that this is a requirement from God in order to be fully alive in Christ. God says being “lukewarm” in our relationship is so unacceptable that it makes him sick, to the point where He will “spit us out of his mouth.” In other words, in God’s view, we can’t conceivably get a taste of the Lord’s goodness, realize the price Jesus paid to save us from our sins on the Cross, and respond with a shrug of the shoulders. That is sickening to the Lord. It is better off that we never knew the Lord, then to know Him and respond with a lukewarm, cavalier attitude.
The scripture above seems to insinuate that one of the main things that can make us lukewarm in our response to Christ is wealth. Wealth has a way of deceiving us into thinking our need for Christ is less critical than it really is. There are many things in life that I am lukewarm about. I am lukewarm about doing chores around the house, eating certain foods like liver and getting motivated to get myself into the gym, where I belong. But one thing I am not, is lukewarm about my relationship with Jesus. I am on fire for the Lord, because I know what He has done for me and in me and through me and it still leaves me speechless at times. I am amazed that He could love and save a wretch like me. I am amazed at his patience with me and the depth of His forgiveness. I am grateful for His eternal sacrifice and I crave time spent in His presence. Like any friendship, it takes time spent to make it meaningful, but it is always me that has to take the first step and prioritize Him in my life, because He is always there waiting for me, as He is for all who seek him. (Matthew 7:7-8) The time when I feel His still, small voice break through my fears and doubts and reassure me that He is with me and will show me the way, are the best feelings I get in this world. In this Country and in my life, we can be fanatical about all the wrong things. Sports, especially Football, is a big one. But when I put the feelings of being a “fan” of a game or anything else, ahead of my feelings for Christ, there is something very wrong in my life and my Christian walk. We as Christians should be fanatical about our relationship with our Lord and Savior. The price He paid was so great, and His love so deep, that He deserves nothing less.
Prayer: Father God, help us to never put anything before our relationship with your Son. It is the one and only thing that we should be truly fanatical about. Forgive me when I fall short, and reignite my passion always for you, for you deserve nothing less. Amen!
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