July 24, 2023: Hot, Cold, Or Lukewarm?

"'I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot!" (Revelation 3:15, ESV)

The church of Laodicea had become the church of BAU, 'business as usual.' They were doing the works, but the works were lifeless. They had settled into a lifestyle no longer distinct from the rest of the city. When Jesus mentioned them being neither hot nor cold, he did not prefer them to be one or the other. His point was: "You are no longer distinguishable from the rest of the world." 
    
His following statement was straightforward, "Because of your lukewarm condition, I will vomit you out of my mouth. You think you are wonderful, but you are poor, pitiful, naked and blind." What a tragedy to think you are OK with God and He is not OK with you. 
    
The secret to changing this situation is to get back into the presence of God! Jesus is saying to all of us, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock." He is knocking because He wants in! He wants into our hearts. He wants into our lives. He wants into our families. He wants us to open the door, and He will come in and eat with us, meaning he will share His life with us and us with Him.
    
The result of time with Jesus is a fiery heart where living water flows! It is the fellowship with Jesus that makes us desirable to the Lord. You do not have to remain lukewarm!