Lukewarm Living by Martin Wiles

Tick, tock, tick, tock. Each pendulum swinging in sync as each gear turns precisely.

Collecting spring wound clocks was my passion. They sat on mantels, tables and hung on the walls of our home. Each passing hour was welcomed by a symphony of melodic chimes-each with its unique bong, musical song or clucking cuckoo.

Nights were the same, but we grew accustomed to the tick tock and only awakened if they stopped. It was different for visitors who often remarked; “How do you sleep with all those clocks chiming?” 

Familiarity breeds indifference to chiming clocks. It can cause the same in our relationship with Christ. Jesus said; I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other. (Revelation 3:15)

I’ve gargled with lukewarm water and immediately wanted to spit it out. Jesus felt like doing the same with the lukewarm believers at Laodicea. They were comfortable, indifferent, idle and refused to stand for anything. Their self satisfaction nauseated Christ.

Religious familiarity births excitement or neglect, and the choice is ours. I’ve watched people outside the Bible Belt of the United States wish for a church on every street corner, and I’ve observed people in the Bible Belt sour on religion while it surrounds them.

God wants our all, not meaningless service dependent on how we feel at any given moment. Lukewarm living disgusts God and steals our fulfillment. He’ll spit us out which entails missing his blessings-material, spiritual and emotional. How much better to enjoy abundant living by being hot for him. What attitudes or actions need changing to move you to the faithful no matter what side?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, guard our hearts against lukewarm living.