There are many people who like the idea of having some faith and spirituality in their life, but they don’t want to go crazy or anything. They want enough Jesus to feel good about themselves and hopefully make it to Heaven, but they don’t want so much that it might actually change their life. But is this real Christianity?

In Revelation 3, Jesus writes a letter to a church in a city called Laodicea. This city had a lot going for it and the people were very wealthy and successful, but Jesus said the half-hearted faith of the Christians there made him want to throw up. This is what he told them:

Revelation 3:15-20 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…. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.

I’m sure none of us want to make Jesus feel this response to us, so let’s consider some ways to avoid the danger of being a lukewarm Christian.

Crave acceptance from God over people

Most people really want to fit in and be accepted by their friends, peers, co-workers, etc. But Jesus warned us about this temptation.

Luke 6:26 Woe to you when everyone speaks well of you…

Being a Christian often involves being countercultural which means some people won’t accept you. If we don’t want to be lukewarm, we must be OK with this and have a desire to seek God’s acceptance, more than people’s.

Turn to God in the good times and the bad

It’s easy for people to treat God like a tool in their bag of tricks. They just turn to him when they need or want something. Real Christianity involves seeking God all the time, not just when we’re looking for help.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

If we don’t want to be lukewarm, we should make sure we intentionally seek God when things are both good and bad.

Refuse to conform to the world

A lukewarm Christian looks like everyone else around them. They have the same morals, values, behaviors, priorities, etc. If you didn’t know they went to church on Sunday you might not know they’re a Christian. But real Christians shouldn’t let themselves be molded to the world around them.

Romans 12:2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.

A genuine pursuit of God involves allowing him to transform you more than the world.

Give generously and sacrificially

Lukewarm Christians have the attitude that their money and stuff is theirs, so they will only share it if it doesn’t really cost them too much. Real Christians recognize that everything is really God’s, so they use their resources accordingly.

1 Timothy 6:18 Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others.

We should always recognize that all we have is ultimately from God and therefore strive to be “rich” in our good deeds and generosity.

Accept Jesus as your Savior and your Lord

Many lukewarm Christians are trying to have just enough Jesus in their life so they can make it into Heaven, but they don’t want Jesus to really have control of their life. Jesus is far more than a get-out-of-jail-free card – he is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and we should treat him accordingly in our lives.

Acts 2:36 “So let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah!”

Jesus has not only saved us from our sin, but wants to be Lord of our lives in order to lead us to a life of fullness and joy.

Take a moment to consider if you have any of the potential warning signs of being a lukewarm Christian. If you do, recognize what Jesus thinks about this and start to live your life fully for him.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Watch the video together or invite someone to summarize the topic.
  2. What is your initial reaction to this video? Do you disagree with any of it? What jumped out at you?
  3. Have you ever felt like you didn’t want to go overboard in your faith in God? Explain your answer.
  4. Read Revelation 3:15-20. Make a list of how Jesus describes lukewarm Christians.
  5. Read Luke 6:26. Why is it dangerous when everyone only has good things to say about you?
  6. Read Romans 12:2. Why is it important as a Christian to change the way you think? If this happens in your life, what would it look like?
  7. Look at the list of things you can do in order to avoid being a lukewarm Christian. What is the top priority for you to implement in your life today? Why?
  8. Does God want every Christian to go “overboard”? Why or why not?
  9. Write a personal action step based on this conversation.

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