Why God Doesn't Like Lukewarm

Have you ever choked on lukewarm coffee or soup? It’s not very pretty as it goes flying across the table and/or your clothes. It’s even kind of embarrassing if it happens in public and all around frustrating as you clean up the mess. But that is the reaction Jesus has to the Church of Laodicea, “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm – neither hot nor cold – I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” Revelation 3:16 That is the NIV version. Other versions use words like ‘spew’ or ‘vomit’ rather than ‘spit’ which are probably closer to what happens when you choke on lukewarm liquid.

I’ve often wondered why Jesus is so strong in His reaction to the Church of Laodicea. All the other churches, in Revelation 2 and 3, He begins by complimenting them on what they are doing right and then challenges them to work at something they have been missing. But with Laodicea, He jumps right in with ‘spewing’ them out. So I wonder what makes them lukewarm to begin with and why this is so very disturbing to Jesus that He gives this message to John.

Recently, I was talking with a friend who is a pastor. He was sharing the pain of a young friend who recently was sexually abused and very confused. He commented on how bold sin has become in our world. It is not even hidden anymore. We talked about how important it has become for us as a church to be bold and clear on who we are. We cannot afford to ‘blend in’ but must stand out as different. A picture came to me of using a vacuum cleaner when I was young. I preferred to vacuum when the floor was really dirty because it was easier to see where I had been and where I needed to go yet. There is a bigger difference when you clean a dirtier floor. I wonder if this is some of the picture of hot or cold vs. lukewarm.

What made the Church of Laodicea lukewarm? “You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.” Revelation 3:17 It appears that they have become self-sufficient. They don’t need ‘cleaning’ because they have become comfortable with themselves just the way they are. They have found a way to ‘blend in’ and not stir things up too much around them. And they are happily going along ‘blind’ and ‘naked’!

I wonder then, if the reason God hates for the church to be ‘lukewarm’ is because we just blend in with the world. We keep accepting more and more of the worlds’ view on things and pay less and less attention to what Christ came to change. How then can others see any need for Christ in their lives if we as the church are really no different than anyone else? If we don’t need Christ daily in our lives because we are self-sufficient, how can others see their need for Christ in their lives? In essence, we hide the Gospel from others because we appear to be something we are not – good in and of ourselves. If we can’t see that we are ‘blind’ and ‘naked’ and in need of God’s help, we really have nothing to offer to others but another social gathering of the ‘feel good club’.

So what is Jesus’ remedy for lukewarm sickness? “Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him and he with me” Revelation 3:19-20 Did you ever notice that this invitation is for the church?!

We need to quit trying to ride in the middle of the road. That is a very dangerous place to be. We are not saved because we are “good” or because we are doing “good” things. We are saved because Jesus Christ gave His life for us. We need Him. He is the very air we breathe. He desires relationship with us – deep abiding relationship with us. We need that relationship with Him. We cannot be His church, inviting others into relationship with Him if we are anything but in desperate need of Him ourselves. Then we will stand out like a light in the darkness and help others find their way to Him. We will be the salt bringing out the flavor in life.

Oh Lord, do not let me hinder your Gospel message from going out into the world. Help me to be bold – to live humbly in desperate need of You so that others can see who You are and how You forgive, heal and restore. Thank You for providing everything I need. Amen.