Lukewarm Christianity

Lukewarm Christianity is something that is despised by our Lord, "And to the angel of the church of the Laodicieans write, These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot.  I could 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" (Rev. 3:14-15).  Every time I read these verses they shake me to the core.  The idea of becoming a lukewarm Christian frightens me.  Remember these two verses are words spoken by Christ Himself and I certainly do not want to be the cause of making Christ vomit.

This morning I have been studying Ian Murray's work, "Revival and Revivalism."  There is a chapter in this book about Samuel Davies who Dr. Martyn Lloyd Jones said that this American preacher was, "the greatest preacher you have ever produced in this country."  Davies was challenging and addressing the prevailing lukewarm Christianity of his day and he shared these searching words with his contemporaries:

How common, how fashionable is this lukewarm religion!  This is the prevailing epidemical sin of our age and country...We have thousands of Christians, such as they are; as many Christians as white men; but, alas! they are generally of the Laodiciean stamp; they are neither hot nor cold.  But it is our first concern to know how it is with ourselves; therefore, let this inquiry go round this congregation; Are you not such lukewarm Christians?  Is there any fire and life in your devotions?  Or are not all of your active powers engrossed by other pursuits?

Do you ever feel yourself drifting towards lukewarmness?  I know I do!  My heart is prone to wander away from the God I love.  I do not want the fire and life to depart from my devotions and Christian living.  If you feel the same way I encourage you to cry out to the Lord saying, "O thou God of Love! kindle a flame of love in this cold heart of mine; and then I shall perform my work faithfully."  Then find someone to serve and to share the passion you have for our Savior!