One of the most dangerous pitfalls for any Christ-follower is to become lukewarm in faith. This could be a struggle during one morning or over a lifetime. The temptation to coast into eternity is ever-present. In a culture where everyone loves the color gray, we need to be more black-and-white. This does not negate grace, but we are called as believers to live for Jesus. Our lives cannot be lived on the fence, sooner or later we will fall one way or the other. A well-known church in the Bible that struggled with living lukewarm lives was Laodicea. How do we stop from becoming lukewarm like Laodicea?
What Was Laodicea and What Were They Known For?
According to Bible Study Tools, Laodicea was a city 40 miles east of Ephesus. It has had a variety of names such as Diospolis and Rhoas. However, the king of Syria, Antiochus II named the city after his wife Laodice when he rebuilt it. “It was one of the most important and flourishing cities of Asia Minor. At a very early period, it became one of the chief seats of Christianity (Colossians 2:1; 4:15; Revelation 1:11, etc.). It is now a deserted place, called by the Turks Eski-hissar or ‘old castle.’”
Laodicea is mentioned in various places in the New Testament. Paul first mentions them when he is writing to the Colossians in Colossians 2:1. He shares his burden for their church. He then exhorts and blesses them in Colossians 4:13-16. However, the greatest mention of the believers in Laodicea comes from Revelation 1:11 and Revelation 3:14-22. They are known for being a lukewarm church. In other words, they were not on fire for God or negative about Him. The people lived like they did not need the Lord. If we imagine a Christian to be hot and fully invested and an unbeliever to be cold and careless about God, the lukewarm Christian is stagnant and in many ways useless in kingdom work.
As a woman from the South, this reminds me of a lot of churches down here. The cultural norm has been to go to church on Sunday almost as a social event. You dress your best and put on a happy face with your family, even though 10 minutes ago you were fighting in the car. The only Scripture reading that takes place at home is when you look at the Bible verse art hanging on the walls. It is so easy to fall into a lifestyle of complacency in faith.
Revelations 3:15 says, “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot.”
Isn’t that interesting how God would rather the people be cold or hot? This makes me think about when I take a shower how I would rather it be one or the other. Or when I heat up food, I would prefer it to be hot or cold. That tepid, in-between temperature is unsatisfying and pointless. The Lord desires just like we do for authenticity.
When I was growing up the dating game was filled with lukewarm guys. I had a difficult time when I was led on but never committed to. The perpetual emotional volleyball game continued way longer than it should have in the end. I would have rather been straight-up rejected or accepted than have to deal with the lukewarm. In the same way, God wants our hearts, but He would prefer that we are His or we are not. Going through the motions of church, praying over meals, and being a kind person is not enough. The Lord wants our hearts. He pursues us in love and desires a response. God does not need us, but He wants us.
Why Does Laodicea Only Receive Rebuke in Revelation?
Stephen Baker from Bible Study Tools says, “Jesus’ rebuke of the church at Laodicea revolves around the idolatry of wealth. The people clearly took pride in providing for themselves through their own material means. This pride was rooted in more than just providing for their basic needs to survive; it was rooted in a life of luxury (Revelation 3:17)."
Laodicea remained neutral in faith because they were so caught up in their pride. Neutrality might play it safe on the way to Heaven, but it causes no movement, no impact, and provides no eternal reward to lay at Jesus’ feet.
Revelations 3:16 says, “So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.” Growing up my mom used to labor over a hot meal and want us to eat immediately to enjoy it in all of its fullness. She had the best for us and if we stalled, we missed all that she prepared. The Lord desires for us to live Spirit-filled lives and experience Him at work. He has the best for us, but if we like the church in Laodicea push aside His purposes then we get lukewarm living, just like with my mom I received lukewarm food when I would stall at dinnertime.
God’s love for this church still remained even though He corrected them. Revelation 3:18 says, “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.” The Lord called this church to be fervent and turn away from their sin. We are never too far gone.
What Is the Major Problem of Being a Lukewarm Christian?
Passivity is a sin. The worst effect of a church or a person who lives in this way is the great confusion it causes to the unbelievers around. When a non-Christian sees a Christian who is not living for Christ, they may think that there is no difference between themselves and the believer. This is a scary fact that many American believers are struggling with today. When we are indifferent in our walk with the Lord, we not only hurt our own relationships with God, but we ruin our testimony to people outside of the Body of Christ. Instead of working with the Spirit, we are working against our own side of the spiritual world.
Biblestudy.org shares, “Laodicea, because it lacked its own water supply, had to have it transported from the nearby city of Hierapolis… After its journey of six miles (9.6 kilometers) to the city, however, the water became lukewarm… Citizens had to make the water either hot or cold in order for it to be of use to them.”
Ways to Avoid Being Lukewarm Laodicea
Some ways to avoid being lukewarm like this church include having a teachable spirit, getting involved beyond the basics at church, and inviting God into your every day. When we live on a mission, we have the opportunity to reach the world for Christ.
One major way that we prevent a lukewarm attitude is by guarding and being aware of self-reliance creeping into our perspectives. We need to humble ourselves and remember our great need for our Savior Jesus and depend on Him.
Annette Griffin from Crosswalk shares, “Self-reliance may be great governing practice for our nation, but it should not be the Way of the church. When any form of “self” seeps into the fabric of the church, it leaves an opening for the enemy to usher in the temptation of pride. A real danger exists when we don’t diligently defend a complete surrender to and reliance on Christ as Lord and Head of the Church.”
Whether you feel that you are living hot, cold, or lukewarm, Jesus wants you. He invites us to follow Him wholeheartedly and join Him in His purposes on the earth. May our struggle with pride and wealth never keep us from a humble heart of acknowledging that we are the Lord’s, and we are here for Him.
Further Reading
How to Avoid Becoming a Lukewarm Church like Laodicea
Who Was the Church of Laodicea in Revelation?
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Nina Belova
