While addressing the Laodicean church in the book of Revelations, Jesus had this to say:
Revelations 3:14-16 – NIV – “To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. 15 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.
Ouch! These are very tough words from our Lord, but He made Himself very clear to this body of believers. The Laodicean church at this time thought they had no need of anything, for they said within themselves that they were ‘rich, have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ Yet, Jesus said that they did not realize that they were wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked (Revelations 3:17). Despite all that they claimed to have, this was no proof of pure biblical spirituality, but instead, caused them to become “lukewarm”. What does lukewarm mean? Well, it means something that is moderately warm or tepid; It also means showing very little enthusiasm.
For us coffee lovers, there is nothing more that we love than a good, solid, hot cup of java (well, at least for me anyway…LOL). I do not like lukewarm coffee and there are times when I find myself sticking it into the microwave so that it gets heated up again; and when it is, I can enjoy it once more. I cannot speak for everyone else on their habits of coffee drinking (some may like lukewarm coffee or iced coffee which is no reflection of their spiritual state!). Nor am I trying to give a lesson on “coffee drinking”; (I’m speaking metaphorically). But to make a point here concerning Christians who are neither cold nor hot in their relationship toward the Lord, but they are kind of “in-between”, or lukewarm as it is described. There is another term that can go along with being lukewarm and that is to be indifferent. Both lukewarmness and indifference can go hand and hand with each other because often, when someone is lukewarm, it then can lead to indifference, which the meaning of indifference is to be unconcerned, lack of interest or mediocre at best.
In no uncertain terms am I trying to bring condemnation or guilt on anyone by addressing this issue. But lukewarmness and indifference is a problem that many Christians go through, and this is not necessarily an issue with any one group of believers. Christians of all walks of life have struggled with this whether rich, poor or in-between. Indifference is a battle that many go through and sometimes get so used to being that way, that it actually doesn’t seem like a battle anymore, but just a ‘way of life’; It becomes so ingrained in their lifestyle, that it almost seems like a normal way of functionality.
Many years can be spent going to church strictly out of a habit, believing it’s the “right thing to do”, with no enthusiasm about the things of God, no excitement about sharing your faith and being apathetic toward the study of Scripture. Some may have always been this way perhaps never having had a true salvation experience of being born-again. Others may have started out strong, having had a true encounter with the Lord, but over the years, the fire and love they once carried for Him died down. Still, others may have had their faith shattered whether through an unanswered prayer, a church hurt or some kind of disappointment towards some kind of leaders, whether church leadership or those in the marketplace, towards themselves in their personal life or just having trouble standing up to the many trials that life brings at us; so much can try to drain the energy out of us. We also have to remember that we have an enemy that is always looking to trip us up (1 Peter 5:8;2 Corinthians 2:10-11). So, what can we do as believers if we find ourselves in a state of indifference? How can we pull ourselves past lukewarmness and apathy to regaining the fire and love for the Lord we may have once possessed? What must be done to return to that “first love” described in Revelations 2:4?
Over the many years of walking with God, I can honestly say that I too have battled indifference and apathy, primarily many years ago when I went through a very dark time during my walk with God. But by the grace, mercy and unending love of our Heavenly Father, who never gives up on us, I overcame it. And I don’t say this with any hint of pride or arrogance in any sense, knowing full well that even to this day, I must guard my heart with all humility and diligence trusting only in the complete power of God. It’s taught me some things over the years. And so, next issue, we will begin to go through biblical ways to begin to pull out of having a heart that is indifferent toward the things of God and restore to us the heart that was once possessed with a pure love for our Savior and King, Jesus Christ.
Until then, God Bless!
