The city of Laodicea in the first century was a prosperous city, but they didn’t have a good water supply. The cities to the north boasted of hot springs and the cities to the south were known for their cold fresh springs. But by the time the water got to Laodicea, it was lukewarm and smelly. Historians tell us that it was repulsive. Jesus uses this analogy to the Christians in this city to convey a spiritual truth. Basically, lukewarm Christians are repulsive to Him. This warning to the church at Laodicea is a warning that we should heed as well. In the 21st century church, we are witnessing many lukewarm Christians.
Lukewarm Christians are often referred to as Cultural Christians or Progressive Christians. Lukewarm Christians blend in with the culture rather than transform into the image of Christ. They show little interest in studying God’s Word, so they are not nourishing their faith. Their relationship with Christ is comprised of “help me” prayers. A lukewarm Christian lacks commitment to the cause of Christ. They adopt what the world (or culture) promotes rather than stand on the truth of Scripture. A lukewarm Christian knows what’s right but chooses what’s wrong.
Lukewarm Christians are often referred to as Cultural Christians or Progressive Christians. Lukewarm Christians blend in with the culture rather than transform into the image of Christ. They show little interest in studying God’s Word, so they are not nourishing their faith. Their relationship with Christ is comprised of “help me” prayers. A lukewarm Christian lacks commitment to the cause of Christ. They adopt what the world (or culture) promotes rather than stand on the truth of Scripture. A lukewarm Christian knows what’s right but chooses what’s wrong.
A lukewarm Christian seems to be one who goes through the motions, but without heart conviction. They may go to church every Sunday out of duty or obligation, but not to worship Jesus. A lukewarm Christian identifies with the world more than with the Word of God. This is NOT biblical Christianity. This is apathetic and self-centered. And the sad reality is that many lukewarm Christians are leading others down the same destructive pathway.
Jesus says to the church at Laodicea that He would rather have them hot or cold than lukewarm. I pray that each of us choose to be hot Christians… Christians devoted to the cause of Christ and Christians who are on mission with Him. We must be intentional about keeping our fires burning hot, though. The way to do that is to continually fan the flames. We need to draw closer to Jesus every day, studying His Word and choosing to live by it, serving in the church, and staying in Christian community. Let’s not be those lukewarm Christians. Let’s be biblical Christians.