Lukewarm Christians
One of the most frightening groups of verses in the Bible is found in Revelation 3:14-19, when Christ is talking to the Church of Laodicea.
He is addressing the people of a city known for its wealth. But despite its financial prosperity, it was spiritually impoverished. He says in regards to the people: "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" (Revelation 3:15-17 NIV translation).
What's frightening about this statement is that most people in this world who call themselves Christians are lukewarm. Yes we might go to church on Sundays, make an appearance, and think to ourselves, hey, I don't sell drugs, I haven't killed anybody, I never robbed a bank, I even give to charities. But think what Christ is saying here "I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing."
Not too many years ago, the Dow Jones average had a tough time breaking 1000. For much of the time since then, it had been over 10,000. IRAs have come into the picture, and many typical people have savings well into the six figures. And every average neighborhood seems to have a quiet millionaire living in it.
But with all this prosperity also comes a falling away from God.
Now Jesus understood that riches, luxury and opulence can become idols, creating a false sense of security. They bestow a power that can easily drive a person to arrogance, cheating and selfishness. For this reason, Jesus said wealth posed a challenge to the spirit. It was harder for a rich person to fulfill his true purpose in life than for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle (Matthew 19:24). Which brings us back to Rev 3:14-19 " So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth." Here we see a consequence of worshiping money and other idols, instead of worshiping God.
In my opinion, I don't think that there is anything wrong with making a lot of money. Remember, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, David and Daniel were all very rich men. But their riches never got in the way of worshiping God. Their money never became an idol.
If you feel you are one of these people who calls himself or herself a Christian, but knows deep inside that your money and lifestyle comes before Christ, if you know that there is never any time to pray or have fellowship with God because of the time it takes to earn your money, party, play with all the toys that money can buy, read pornography, enjoy R-rated movies, or just sit in front of the television for hours, then you are a "lukewarm Christian," and it's time to make a turnaround, before Christ spits you out, which I think means, you may be on your way to Hell.
Take time now to thank God for all that He has given you. Thank Him for your family, house, car, job, bank account, toys, etc, because everything on this earth actually belongs to Him. He gave them to you. And to receive the biggest gift of all, an eternal life in Heaven, all you have to do is ask Him for it. It won't cost you a cent. Just confess that you are need of salvation, that you believe in Jesus, that you regret your sins, and that you want His salvation, and you will receive life's biggest treasure - eternal life in Heaven, not to mention the peace of mind you will have while here on earth.
If it helps, these are the kinds of things that I said when I asked Jesus for salvation: "Jesus, I am a sinner. I ask You to forgive me of every sin I have committed throughout my life. I know You are the Son of God, and I need You, Jesus, to guide me through my life. Come into my life Jesus, and guide me and make me one of Your own."
If you have turned your life over to Jesus, please email us and share with us the good news. Please, consider sending this article to your friends, relatives, and everybody on your mailing list, to encourage them to take the same opportunity to become a part of Christ's family.
God Bless You.
By George Konig
www.konig.org
March 30, 2003
See a list of all of our commentaries
Copyright ©1999-2009 George Konig
www.konig.org
Home Page
Our email address is:
cifquestions@yahoo.com
