Resources/Articles
Lukewarm Matters
“I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot;
I wish that you were cold or hot.
So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold,
I will spit you out of my mouth.”
Revelation 3.15-16
All diseases seem to have certain symptoms. The “lukewarm disease” seems to affect most parts of the body. It is also highly contagious. It passes from one person to another, and soon there are whole groups that are affected. If the disease isn’t stopped, its effects are not just external, but also eternal. Listed below are a few of the known symptoms of “lukewarm disease”:
- It affects the mind in that a person stops seeking to learn and teach.
- It affects the ears in that a person only hears what he wants to hear, thus destroying faith.
- It affects the eyes in that a person no longer sees or follows the “straight and narrow.”
- It affects the mouth in that a person no longer speaks the word of God or offers us singing and prayer on a regular basis.
- It affects the neck in that a person cannot bow his head in prayer.
- It affects the arms and hands in that a person no longer does the physical labors that are essential in a Christian’s life.
- It affects the heart in that a person’s love for God grows cold.
- It affects the legs and feet in that a person no longer goes to services or visits those needing encouragement.
- It affects the stomach in that a person is not able to digest the stronger meat of the word but lives only on milk.
- The infected mind, heart, and hands together affect a person’s giving, whether it be of money, physical help, or spiritual love.
Not all have every symptom. Not all the symptoms need to be present to affirm that one has the disease. The “lukewarm” person is a most undependable human being. He faces separation from God. We might hate all earthly diseases, but the “Great Physician” dislikes “lukewarm disease” most of all. As bad as “lukewarm disease” is, it can be cured! The prescribed cure would be a big dose of faith and a shovel-full of work. If you have the “lukewarm disease,” now is the time to take the cure. Have faith in the Lord and his word to obey, for the day is coming when man shall work no more.
We want to be like Jesus, but we prefer to walk with him in triumph over palm branches rather than under the weight of the cross. We would like to have a scepter, but not a shepherd’s staff. Would you be like Jesus? Then gird yourself with the towel of lowly service, for Jesus was a servant to his people.
“Because you say, ‘I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing,’ and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked, I advise you to buy from me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourselves, and that the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see. Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with me.”
Revelation 3.17-20
