Be Kind to Lukewarm Christian's Day
Updated: Sep 27, 2022
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It seems that we have a special day for just about everything imaginable. So why don't we have a "Be Kind to Lukewarm Christian's Day"? I think it should be on our calendar 365 days a year. Here's why…
We invest time, energy, and resources reaching out to our "On Fire" brothers and sisters in Christ. We do the same with programs and outreach to bring in the "lost." As well we should.
But lukewarm Christians are in the middle zone and largely forgotten. They can easily blend into the pews while in church and are hardly missed when they are absent. I wonder if some become lukewarm because of this? Humm...
Most of us don't even like to talk about "lukewarm" because it is a "relative" term. Who makes the judgment call regarding "lukewarmness" anyway? On Fire, Christians know the answer to that question. God does. We read the Bible.
What God Says About Lukewarm Christians
Obviously, God makes the judgment call. Just as a reminder, let's revisit what Jesus said to the Church in Laodicea.
"To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: 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 neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So because you are neither hot or cold--I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not require a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, poor, blind, and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so that you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see." Revelation 3:14-18
Notice a few critical points that Jesus makes:
Jesus establishes His authority to make the judgment call. He is the ruler of God's creation.
Jesus knows our deeds. It's not like "what happens in Laodicea, stays in Laodicea." HE. KNOWS. EVERYTHING! That's the Bad News for lukewarm Christians.
He tells the Laodiceans He is "about" to spit them out. The "about" suggests there is still time for them to change their ways. This is Good News for lukewarm Christians.
Jesus warns them about confusing wealth acquired in the world and His wealth refined by fire.
Since "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever" (Hebrews 13:8), we know He is talking to you and me today. What happens in Vegas will never stay in Vegas. Never has, never will. So it's time to repent.
Lukewarm Christians: It's Time For Repentance
Jesus said:
"Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent." Revelation 3:19
Notice how Jesus uses the word "earnest" (showing sincere and intense conviction). He tells us to be genuine and enthusiastic as we change our ways. This leads us to the question: How do we know if we are a lukewarm Christian?
Many good articles on Google that list characteristics of a lukewarm Christian and the lukewarm Christian church. But suppose you are looking for a succinct description that captures the essence of the lukewarm Christian. In that case, I think Alonda Tanner offers a great one in her article, "7 Surefire Signs You Are a Lukewarm Christian". She said, "Lukewarm faith is faith that doesn't affect the way you live." Amen!
Suppose we are showing sincere and intense conviction in our repentance. In that case, we can look at ourselves in the mirror and respond to the question Jesus is asking us: "Did your faith affect how you lived today?" Unfortunately, there are only two responses available in His quiz...Yes or No. If we try to force a third option, "Somewhat," we just offer a rationalized lukewarm response to God.
Whether hot, cold, or lukewarm, each day provides a new opportunity to become ON FIRE and reflect on how we live!
Conclusion
I believe we should treat every day as "Be Kind To Lukewarm Christian's Day." Not only because they are in danger of being "spit out" by God, but because on any given day, "they" are us. On any given day, even the most On Fire believer can look in the mirror at the end of a long day and say, "My faith was NOT reflected in how I lived today. Therefore, I repent with sincerity and conviction. Tomorrow is a new day...a new opportunity to serve the Lord." In fact, every one of us, every day, is a lukewarm Christian relative to the standard Jesus set.
As long as there is still time, I believe we should be kind to lukewarm Christians as a reflection of God's love. Daily we should live by Paul's admonition and,
"Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you." Ephesians 4:32 (NISB)
