A Lukewarm Life

Growing up in church, I remember hearing messages about the dangers of living a lukewarm life and ending up in hell. Preachers often pointed to Revelation 3:15-16, where Jesus says:

“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.”

This portion of scripture was spoken to the church in Laodicea, which was likely made up of believers who had become useless in their faith — either by doing nothing for the Gospel or drifting away from their first love. The city itself might have also had people who weren’t genuine followers of Christ at all, just pretending to have a form of godliness with no real substance. Either way, the problem was clear: lukewarmness.

The obvious lesson here is that we need to take our relationship with Christ seriously, making it meaningful for ourselves and for those around us. But I want to look at this idea of lukewarmness from another angle.

Could Jesus’ warning also be about more than just effectiveness in sharing the Gospel? Could it be about our joy and fulfillment in truly carrying out what it means to follow Him? Maybe lukewarmness not only has devastating consequences in the next life but also leads to frustration in our walk with Jesus here on earth — a kind of life where serving God feels empty or unfulfilling.

Lukewarmness causes us to live in two worlds. One part of us tries to please God with religious actions or just going through the motions, while another part tries to impress the world — seeking approval or feeding our ego.

But the world today is hungry for authenticity. People are desperate for those who stand firm in what they believe. Some are even so passionate about false ideas that they seem more genuine than believers trying to live out real faith. Those who live lives based on lies and brokenness should never have more passion about life (even if it is only an outward expression with despair and emptiness inside) than a true follower of Christ. 

We must never forget that lukewarmness, trying to walk in both light and darkness, also discredits the Gospel. It creates a confusing, half-hearted witness that points nowhere — a false path that doesn’t lead to true fullness in Christ.

I love Joshua 24:15, which says, “Choose this day whom you will serve.” Today is the day to decide — do we serve Christ wholeheartedly or not at all? It’s not just about making it to heaven but about living a vibrant, joyful life in Jesus, with fruits that show we’re truly dedicated.

So, take a moment today. Evaluate your life: Are the fruits you’re producing “edible”? What consumes your thoughts — Christ or the things of this world? Remember, it’s never too late to turn back to Jesus, to embrace His love and power, and to live fully for Him instead of just a partial life, which in essence, is no life at all.