Tuesday, November
21, 2023
LUKEWARM CHRISTIANS!
Rev 3:14-16
14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These
things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation
of God; 15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot:
I would thou wert cold or hot. 16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither
cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
Why are so many professing believers yet undecided regarding their Christianity?
Christ was passionate and resolute but the people of this Laodicean age are
lackadaisical. Each one seems to be two kinds of people at the same time, and
you can never be certain which you are dealing with.
Narcissism is the primary cause of this. Our culture of rapid change and easy access to everything has produced
a
restless desire for some unknown thrill or satisfaction. Like Goldilocks
we keep sampling the porridge but can never find a bowl that is “just right.” We
insist on deciding for ourselves that which is right or wrong without
restriction or responsibility.
We have a lust for supremacy and applause that ruins all our relationships
because we are always manipulating others. Everything in our life passes through
the “me” filter.
Contentment and purity are desperately needed.
1. A quiet spirit! We must learn to give to each task our very best effort
and then leave the results in God’s hands. The conventional method results in nervous
anxiety and a complaining spirit.
1 Thess 4:11-12…study to
be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands,
as we commanded you;
12 That ye may walk
honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.
2. Real purity inside and out! We must choose to live our lives unsullied by
the filthiness that surrounds us in the world.
1 Tim 5:22
22 Lay hands suddenly
on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure [innocent
or modest].
3. Simplicity! which is " freedom, [bringing] joy and balance. [But]
because we lack a divine Center, our
need for security has led us into an insane attachment to things… " –
Celebration of Freedom by Richard Foster.
4. Thrift! Placing boundaries around our appetites will build self-discipline and
character.
John 6:12
12 When they were
filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing
be lost.
5. Modesty! The word is only used once and is found in 1 Timothy 2:9 and means “orderly or decorous.” Today it has come to
mean a manner of dress and deportment that does not entice or lead to lustfulness.
6. Passion! Ours is an age absolutely defined by the word “casual.” Unfortunately,
we have allowed informality to modify quality. A lack of quality in
preparation hinders performance in every area. Choir members do not practice.
Sunday school teachers do not study. Buildings and facilities are not well
maintained. The result is a haphazard presentation of an urgently needed gospel.
Dear Father, I’m sure in many ways my behavior just wears you out! Forgive
me for my Laodicean Luke warmness and make me palatable to Thee. AMEN
