(The following is the December 4 devotional from my Next Step Devotions book. Before reading it, I suggest you read Revelation 3 and pay close attention to verses 14-22.)

It’s disappointing to sip a drink we expect to be hot only to find it cold. Likewise, we are unsatisfied if we want a cold glass of water on a hot day but find it lukewarm. We like hot to be hot, cold to be cold, and neither lukewarm.

God expects the same in our faith and service for him. We see this in his criticism of the church in Laodicea: “I know your works, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were cold or hot. So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you out of my mouth” (vv. 15-16). If Christ forgives our sins, grants us eternal life, and makes us new creations in him, how can we drift in our faith toward lukewarmness? How can we enjoy his showers of blessings yet be a barren soil of unfruitfulness?

Laodicea mistook their riches as all they needed. Their wealth produced self-satisfaction. They thought they had everything, but they lost their zeal for Christ. Instead of being rich and requiring nothing, they were “wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked” (v. 17). But there was good news: God loved them enough to rebuke and discipline them. Instead of allowing them to continue their elaborate banquet in a Christless church, he was at the door, ready to come in and make the feast all it should be with him at the head.

Over time, churches and individuals can become lukewarm in their Christian faith and service, but it need not be that way. If we drift toward lukewarmness, we must do as Laodicea was told, “be zealous and repent” (v. 19). Every redeemed child of God should exhibit an ever-growing passion that burns white-hot for our Lord as the day of his appearing approaches.

Next Step:
Has your enthusiasm for knowing and serving Christ diminished? If so, why? What steps will you take to return to him?