quinta-feira, 10 de janeiro de 2019

THE NARROW PATH TO RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD - DAY 44

by Rev. Robert John Cericola, Carroll, OH - EUA 

Day 44

Lukewarm 

Revelation 3:14–15 (NKJV)  “And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans 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.

Revelation 3:16–17 (NKJV)  So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked…

Located in Asia Minor, the city of Laodicea, the richest of the seven churches, was known for its banking industry, wool manufacturing, and eye salve. Members of the church had acquired wealth and fallen into the deception of riches. Becoming self-sufficient the church lost its enthusiasm or love for Christ.

Jesus’ words of knowing they were neither hot or cold but lukewarm toward him, reminds me of a young man pursuing a young woman’s heart and wishing she was either hot or cold toward him.

The best situation for a young man pursuing a young lady is when she enthusiastically (hot) welcomes his telephone call and readily accepts an invitation to dinner or a movie.

The worst situation for the young man is when the young lady is lukewarm toward him. When he calls and invites her out, she becomes indecisive and hesitant. She says she doesn’t know what she wants to do yet and asks the young man if he would call again later in the week when she will be able to make up her mind. This young lady is waiting for a better offer, she is lukewarm toward the young man, which leaves him in a state of not knowing if he should pursue her or not.

The second-best situation results when the young lady is unemotional or unfriendly toward the young man when he calls upon her. This coldness challenges the young man to try to win her closer to him or stop wasting his time pursuing her (spew her out of his mouth) and move on with his life.

And so, it is with Christ, He wants us hot or cold but not lukewarm.

Ending Thoughts
We live in a world of multiple distractions that can dull our enthusiasm toward Christ. Is Christ at center of your life or have the cares and distractions of life taken his place?

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