This is a sequel to
my last post on subtle signs of lukewarmness. I recommend you read that for
better understanding of this one.
The Laodicean Church was a Christian community established in the ancient city of Laodicea now
called Denizli in
today’s country known as TURKEY 1.
Jesus had this to say
about them back then as written in Revelations 3:15-19 (NLT)
“I know all the things
you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the
other!
But since you are
like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth!
You say, ‘I am rich. I
have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’ And you don’t realize that you
are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked.
So I advise you to buy
gold from me—gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also
buy white garments from me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness and
ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see.
I correct and discipline
everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference.”
Like
the Laodicean church, Lukewarmness leaves us
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| Photo Courtsey: Emaze |
1. Wretched:
wretchedness is translated talaipóros in
greek. It means “beaten-down) from continued strain, leaving a person literally
full of callouses” 2
Lets
zoom in on the word “callouses”. callouses is
translated pórósis in
greek and means hardness of heart 3
Therefore in plain English, Lukewarmness is a state in
which we feel “tired” of the demands of our commitment to God and eventually
become hardened. This explains why God says he wants us to pray for someone and
we say, “well God I already covered them in the general prayer.”
God says, start a children outreach we say, “I already
teach children Sunday school a church. We usually give such excuses believing
God understands. We don’t often see it is because we are strained from the
pressures of service and haven’t refueled. When you begin to give excuses for
not obeying God swiftly and accurately? You are definitely beaten down by the
strains of life and are working in hardness of heart. The bad thing is the
illusion of lukewarmness wouldn’t let us see this truth.
Bows my Head in prayer……
Help me Lord JESUS!!!
 |
| Photo courtesy: Pitiful |
2. Miserable: The
word miserable is translated eleeinos in
greek. It means pitiful, in desperate need of mercy.4
The lukewarm thinks they have done so much for God and are
in the position to offer so-called expert-counsel to others. When they see someone else who is
vibrant, eager and fervent (usually a new/young converts); they say things like
“oh give him/her some time. They He/She would soon learn that it’s not by too
much zeal”.
The
lukewarm don’t realize that the vibrancy, eagerness and fervency of the young
convert is a product of first love which they have lost!
God says, while they think they are okay, they are actually
pitiful.
 |
| Photo Courtesy: Spinfold |
3. Poor: This one strikes me like a grenade. It is translated
(pto-khos') in
Greek and means one is deeply destitute, completely lacking resources.
It is at the point that I realize that poverty has
grade.
For instance,
Mr Okon lives in a one room apartment with his seven
children and wife in a ghetto somewhere. However, Mr Okon is a motorcycle
(okada) rider. This tells me he at least has a resource for survival.
On the other hand, Mr. Dapo has no home, lives under the
bridge, has neither education nor skill to earn a living. He has to depend on
others for survival. Mr. Dapo who has no source of livelihood and can’t
help himself is the destitute.
God says, Lukewarm Christians are destitute. This is because they often lack the necessary resources to execute kingdom agenda. They've lost sensitivity, passion, zeal, faith and most times their joy. The problem
again, is in this state we still think we are doing okay!
 |
| Photo Courtesy: Blindbobs |
If you ask me, this is the root stronghold of lukewarmness.
Blind people can’t see their true state. Lukewarm Christians argue a lot with
God, his principles and other Christians. They often can’t perceive when a
conversation is unnecessary. When they argue with God, they often think that
there is still much time. They don’t usually see that the present/current
instruction is the most crucial on the mind of God!
 |
| Phtot courtesy: Youtube |
5. Naked: (Hands on my face) I don’t want to see
anyone’s private property please. LOL
Lukewarmness strips you off your garment of righteousness.
"Look, I will come as unexpectedly as a thief!
Blessed is all who are watching for me, who keep their clothing ready so they
will not have to walk around naked and ashamed." Revelation
16:15
The
Shocker
Jesus said, “I will spew you (the lukewarm) out of my
mouth”.
What is released from a person’s mouth when they want
something done? Their WORD
What is the nature of God’s word? “For the word of
God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword...
Hebrews 4:12
Who executes the word of God on earth? Christians/ The
believer
What happens when the Christian/believer becomes slow,
powerless and dull rather than quick, powerful and sharp? YOU GET THROWN OUT!!
May the Lord
Preserve us
Committed to your fulfillment
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