One afternoon, while walking through a busy marketplace, I noticed a young man suddenly bend over and begin to vomit violently. His face showed deep pain and discomfort, and I was moved with compassion. Anyone who has ever experienced that level of sickness knows how unbearable it feels—it drains your strength and leaves you weak and helpless.
That vivid picture reflects what God feels toward spiritual lukewarmness. When believers live half-committed lives—neither fully surrendered nor completely rebellious—it nauseates Him. This is not a light matter; it reveals how seriously God values spiritual fervor and genuine devotion.
Jesus addressed the same issue in His message to the church in Laodicea:
Revelation 3:15–16, NKJV “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.”
Revelation 3:15–16, NKJV
“I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.”
In the city of Laodicea, the water supply was known for being lukewarm—neither refreshingly cold like that of Colossae nor hot and healing like that of Hierapolis. The believers there mirrored their environment: complacent, self-satisfied, and spiritually indifferent.
Jesus used that physical reality to illustrate a spiritual truth. He detests half-hearted devotion. The Lord would rather have us cold (fully rejecting Him and knowing it) or hot (fully devoted to Him) than comfortably in-between—appearing religious but lacking true passion.
Lukewarm Christianity is deceptivel because it appears moral and active. A person may attend church, serve in ministry, and even use Christian language, yet remain spiritually dead inside. It’s the same hypocrisy Jesus rebuked in the Pharisees when He said:
Matthew 15:8, NIV “These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me.”
Matthew 15:8, NIV
“These people honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me.”
A lukewarm believer is religious but not transformed, moral but not holy, busy but not fruitful. They are like the fig tree that had leaves but bore no fruit, which Jesus cursed (Mark 11:13–14). Outwardly impressive, but inwardly barren.
Paul warned Timothy that in the last days, many would “have a form of godliness but deny its power” (2 Timothy 3:5, ESV). That is the essence of lukewarm living—religion without relationship, confession without conversion, and worship without obedience.
Jesus doesn’t just rebuke the Laodiceans; He also offers them a way back:
Revelation 3:18, NKJV “I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.”
Revelation 3:18, NKJV
“I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.”
This represents genuine faith that has been purified through trials (1 Peter 1:7). True spiritual wealth isn’t measured by possessions or success but by faith proven through obedience and endurance.
These symbolize righteousness through Christ. The Laodiceans were “naked,” meaning exposed in their sin. Only the righteousness of Jesus can clothe our spiritual shame (Isaiah 61:10; 2 Corinthians 5:21).
This represents spiritual discernment. They thought they could see, but they were blind to their true condition. The Holy Spirit opens our eyes to see truth, convicting us of sin and guiding us into repentance (John 16:8–13).
Revelation 3:19, NKJV “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.”—
Revelation 3:19, NKJV
“As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.”—
Christ’s rebuke is an expression of His love. God disciplines those He loves (Hebrews 12:6). His desire is not to condemn but to awaken us from spiritual sleep. He stands at the door and knocks (Revelation 3:20), longing for renewed fellowship with His people.
Many think that once they confess Jesus as Lord, their journey is complete. But salvation is both a moment and a process. We are justified instantly, but sanctified continually.
Paul wrote:
Philippians 2:12–13, NKJV “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.”
Philippians 2:12–13, NKJV
“Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.”
A genuine Christian life is marked by growth, change, and spiritual fruit. Jesus said, “Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire” (Matthew 7:19). To remain the same year after year without transformation is evidence of spiritual lukewarmness.
Today’s culture makes it easy to live a double life. Many believers maintain a Christian image on Sundays but indulge in worldliness throughout the week.
They post inappropriate content online yet speak of grace and blessings.
They sing gospel songs yet feed their souls with worldly entertainment.
They preach purity but secretly live in sin.
This contradiction deeply grieves the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:30). True repentance is not lip service—it’s a complete change of direction (Acts 3:19).
If you’ve recognized lukewarmness in your life, Jesus is still knocking at the door of your heart. His promise remains:
1 John 1:9, KJV “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
1 John 1:9, KJV
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Repentance isn’t about emotion—it’s about transformation. It’s turning fully to Christ, surrendering your will, and rekindling the fire of devotion through prayer, the Word, and obedience.
These are the last days. The signs of Christ’s return are unfolding before us, and the Rapture is drawing near. Jesus is coming for a bride that is pure, watchful, and spiritually alert—not one that is lukewarm or compromised.
Matthew 24:44, ESV “Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”
Matthew 24:44, ESV
“Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”
Only those who are spiritually hot—alive in faith and burning in devotion—will be caught up with Him. Those who remain lukewarm will be left behind.
Lord Jesus,I confess that I have not been fully devoted to You. Forgive my lukewarm heart and cleanse me from all compromise. Restore my passion for You and fill me with the fire of Your Holy Spirit. Teach me to live in holiness and truth, and to walk faithfully until You return.In Your precious name I pray, Amen.
Friend, God desires your whole heart, not half of it. Just as lukewarm water is tasteless, a lukewarm Christian is ineffective. But when the fire of the Holy Spirit burns within you, your life becomes a sweet aroma before God (2 Corinthians 2:15).
Let your heart burn again for Christ. Live for Him boldly, walk in purity, and be counted among those who are hot—for only those will see the Lord when He returns in glory.
Romans 12:11, NIV “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.”
Romans 12:11, NIV
“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.”
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