In Revelation 3:15-16, Jesus makes it clear that the church in Laodicea’s “lukewarm” approach to following Him, does not please Him. In our culture it is very easy for this to happen. With so many options in our daily lives of things to give our attention and time to, it is easy for our relationship with Christ to slowly fade toward lukewarm.
In his book Crazy Love, Francis Chan lists a series of descriptive statements that describe a person who is halfhearted or lukewarm in their relationship with Jesus. Chan writes, “Would you describe yourself as totally in love with Jesus Christ? Or do the words halfhearted, lukewarm, and partially committed fit better?” (Crazy Love, p. 68) This is not a question that anyone can answer for you. The matter of being in love with Jesus is a totally personal matter.
Over the next three weeks, I am going to present some of the indications Chan gives of a lukewarm, halfhearted, or partially committed person. The goal is for you to examine yourself in a real and personal sort of way. 2 Corinthians 13:5 makes it clear that self-examination of our relationship with Christ is healthy.
The first description Chan presents of someone who is lukewarm in their faith is; “Lukewarm people attend church fairly regularly. It is what is expected of them, what they believe ‘good Christians’ do, so they go.” (Crazy Love, p. 68)
What is your motive when it comes to going to church? Is it something you do because it is expected, or is it motivated out of a heart to worship the King of kings? Throughout the Old Testament prophets, God makes it explicitly clear that He is after our hearts. Is your heart after Him?
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