“So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.” (Rev. 3:16)
How would you respond if Jesus said this to you? Leaders, how would you respond if this was spoken about the church you are leading? I can feel my soul weeping. The picture that is being painted is Christians satisfied with there wealth and are just “doing church”. No passion. No true spiritual growth. Just church.
The Laodiceans seemingly were financially secure and were going through the motions with there spiritual life. They thought since they were financially secure and was in “need of nothing” they were good to go. Not so. Read what Jesus says concerning the Laodiceans,
“For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.” (Rev. 3:17)
This description sounds just like the third soil in the parable of the sower,
Jesus describes the third soil as follows,
“As for what was sown among thorns, this is the one who hears the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful.” (Matt. 13:22)
Does this humble us? Why would Jesus say the Laodiceans were, “wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.” He was describing how he viewed them spiritually. They were going through the motions and were content with there “wealth”. The things of God were not a priority, their wealth, security, and the things of the world were. In short, they traded what God valued for what the world valued. Thus choking the Word, making them unfruitful and lukewarm. Does this describe you?
This should be a warning to us all. We should be praying, “Lord, prevent me from becoming lukewarm and unfruitful!”
Do not think you can have a foot in “both worlds”. That is, having a foot in the world/flesh, and a foot in Christ. The world/flesh will ALWAYS choke out the word God deposited in your heart.
Take heed….
