Berean Journeymen

Lately I’ve been pondering, does God consider me to be lukewarm? Does Christianity in America consider me to be lukewarm? Do I consider myself to be lukewarm?

I know what cold looks like, but do I adequately differentiate between lukewarm and hot? As I look at Jesus and Paul and the Apostles and the 1st century true followers of Christ, certainly God considered them to be more than lukewarm. I certainly consider them to be more than lukewarm. But as I compare their lives to mine I see drastic differences, not just literally but in reflection of all the Bible says, demands, and commands. If that is the case, can I realistically claim to be more than lukewarm?

In the lives of true 1st century Christians I see them caring little about wealth, material things and their own desires. Their daily bread satisfied their appetite. They seemed to embrace Christ’s command to deny themselves and take up their cross. Do I do that? Or do I spend most of my daily activity and energy acquiring wealth and possessions and ensuring it in the future. Is there any doubt I conform to the pattern of this world? As an average American I earn roughly 100 times more than the majority of the people on this planet; God and most of the world likely see me as filthy stinking rich. Do I see me that way? Jesus said, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God,” do I even pause to think how that may apply to me? If today Jesus were to ask me to give up all my comforts and ease of life that I enjoy and follow him wherever He asks me to go, would I immediately drop everything as Peter, Andrew, James, John, others did…or would I turn and walk away as the rich young man did in Mark 10? The fact that I hesitate should be a warning. Can I realistically claim to be more than lukewarm?

I see the 1st century Christians actually being salt and light in the world around them. They didn’t simply acknowledge they were supposed to be or do group studies on how to be, they just were. People saw them as being different and most believed they were God’s representatives. They were constantly telling others the Son of the Creator of the universe came to earth and they knew Him personally; that this God-man loved everyone so much that He died on a cross and then rose from the dead so that they may have life and have it to the full. They were willing to be persecuted for the sake of the name Jesus, rejoiced after being whipped and beaten simply because they knew the battle had already been won and their rewards were eternal. How often am I talking about Jesus in my world, whether at work, the gym, school, stores, restaurants…anywhere? It’s easy for me to talk about Him at church events and among fellow ‘Christians’, but how often am I talking about Him with those who don’t know Him or follow Him? If I am honest, am I concerned about what others would think of me if I were to talk about Jesus in public? Do I hesitate to even bring up the name Jesus when I am among unbelieving colleagues or perceived ‘educated’ people, let alone known atheists? If I say ‘no’, then why aren’t I doing it more often? If I say ‘yes’, than at least I’m honest, but it further begs the question, can I realistically claim to be more than lukewarm?

I see the 1st century Christians actually going and making disciples and baptizing them. Their focus, their energy, their whole lives were dedicated to this primary command given by Christ. Their actions were a testament to their belief that nothing was more important than this. Their aim wasn’t to get people to ‘invite Jesus into their heart’, it was bigger than that. They were deeply driven out of love, honor, obedience to God and compassion for others through the power of the Holy Spirit; they helped people understand the fuller scope of holiness and love of Almighty God and the Christian’s solemn and blessed call to love and bring glory to Him in return. They not only taught truths that supported this, they invested their own lives into the lives of other individuals, families, and communities as a witness to those truths. They loved and guided and nurtured and held to account those whom they expected would do the same with their neighbors and with the next generation. So where is my focus and energy being spent? What am I driven by? How and in whom am I investing my time?

If I were to live as the Bible really calls me to live, would I not look different than I do today? Would I not be set apart instead of fitting in? Would I not be seen as a fanatic instead of normal? Would I not be seen as a radical instead of just a good guy? Christians in the 1st century were seen that way and there is no doubt they were more than lukewarm. So if I am not living that way, how does God see me? How does “American Christianity” see me? How do I see myself? As lukewarm?

In Revelation 3, the Lord says, “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. 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…So be earnest and repent.” Do I believe God can feel this way about me, or am I quick to justify my position and create distance between me and the Christians in Laodicea? How foolish I am; how blind. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says.

O God, have mercy on me. Forgive me for reshaping my Christian walk into something I can live with in this culture but is far from what you desire and command and have modeled in those who have walked before me. Bring to light the ways in which I am lukewarm, give me eyes to see. Forgive me for being lukewarm for it is sinful. Give me strength in my areas of weakness. And Father, though I tremble at the thought, I ask nonetheless that you do whatever it takes, whatever it takes to make me on fire for you. Light me on fire for you O Lord, fill me with your Holy Spirit that I may glorify and not disgrace your holy name. I pray this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Where to go from here…
In the culture that surrounds, Christianity is becoming less relevant, deemed less viable. The church body is being pressed, persecuted, and attacked from many sides in the realm unseen. Many have become acutely aware of the gap that exists between their current life which seems to be missing something and the life of Peter, John, David, Paul, and many others which seems to be passionate and fulfilling God’s intended purpose.

In the face of these unstable realities, one considers where to go from here…

This is a time when both God and Satan beckon, each challenging and calling. This is a time when core beliefs must be understood and chosen, for in the face of both adversity and serenity true beliefs will determine what stance is taken and how one pursues fulfillment. One should not take lightly or assume these answers as they may not be as deeply rooted as supposed. Rather, one would do well to wrestle with them; wrestle until a choice is made one way or the other; wrestle until they are fully implanted within by the Spirit; wrestle as Jacob did with the Lord, refusing to let go until blessing is received.

Even in the peace of resolved beliefs, some may still find themselves wandering in the wilderness and wondering where to go from here…

Once again this is a time when both God and Satan beckon, each offering and testing. This is a time when core beliefs and Holy Scripture must be leaned upon and called upon. Regardless of what has caused the wilderness one should be prepared to endure its longevity, recognize when darkness approaches and cling to the Light; even when the Light seems its dimmest, hold nonetheless. Here the enemy lurks among the trees; here the questions of old echo forth...how will needs be satisfied...is God really here…do the things of this world offer true happiness? Both the Israelites and the Messiah faced this luring and one would do well to study the ancient responses, for the appropriate action must be carefully and intentionally chosen else the other will simply occur. Without question, both God and Satan search the heart to know in whom trust is truly being placed and towards whom fear is being directed.

Even when biblical beliefs and faith take their stand, some may still feel a weak heavenly relationship and ponder where to go from here…

Yet again this is a time when both God and Satan are present, each presenting their case and drawing a line. This is a time when one must be willing to sacrifice the desirables of this world for the rewards of the next; did not Jesus show the way? This is a time when one must be willing to be led by the Spirit and not the flesh; did not Jesus show the way? This is a time when one must be willing to become engulfed by intimacy with and obedience to the Father; did not Jesus show the way? This is a time when one must be willing to love the seemingly unlovable; did not Jesus show the way? This is a time when one must be willing to engage and serve the surrounding souls silently crying out for compassion; did not Jesus show the way? Who is willing to imitate Christ? The enemy and the world desperately pull the other way; who is willing?

Perhaps when one becomes willing and holds fast onto faith and builds impenetrable beliefs, perhaps then passion and joy surface; perhaps then one’s life turns towards fulfilling God’s intended purpose for kingdom work; perhaps then in God’s perfect timing and way, alas is understood where to go from here…