We have been reminded this week ... of just how cold it can get.
Some folks love the cold weather and can’t wait to get out in it. Snow? Ice? They know how to handle it.
Others, used to moderate to mild winter, panic!
When I think of living where temps regularly drop below zero, I know I don’t understand how to live, work and stay safe in that cold weather.
At one time, we were talking with a church in Alaska that needed a pastor. God didn’t lead us there. I think how different our lives would have been if we had raised our family in such a different climate.
So far in this bout of winter weather, we have been thankful we didn’t lose electricity or water. We have just had a forced “staycation” here at home. I’ve enjoyed watching the white snow and ice change how everything looks, how the ponds have frozen, and how all the birds have crowded the bird feeders.
Some things are meant to be cold, some things are not!
Of course, you say, “Duh.”
But did you know the Bible tells us some important facts about what He likes in us and in our church?
Check out Revelation 3 in the Bible, a letter to the church at Laodicea. “These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. I know your deeds, that you are either cold or hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm — neither hot or cold — I am about to spit you out of my mouth” (Revelation 3:14-16).
What is your spiritual temperature? Are you cold toward God without a saving relationship with Him? Are you filled with the fervor and fire of the Holy Spirit and a saving relationship with Jesus Christ?
Have you been served lukewarm soup? Not so tasty. Is that lukewarm cup of Starbuck’s coffee what you are looking forward to?
What could a lukewarm person look like?
A lukewarm person may: come to church because they think they have to come, but they don’t want to come. Lukewarm people may side with the world, instead of the church and God when a conflict comes along. Lukewarm people don’t want to be judged and punished for their sins, but they also don’t want to give their sins up. They don’t share their faith. They compare their goodness to the world and not Christ.
They are centered on life on Earth more than life in eternity. They don’t really trust God, but trust themselves.
If a person is cold toward God and the Gospel, there is hope for Him to come to know the Truth, repent and be saved.
God wants a Christian to be all in for Him!
There is no half way.
