Don’t Be Lukewarm

By David Faust

In the book of Revelation, Jesus sent letters to seven churches, and each letter contained a promise for the believer who overcomes (“the one who is victorious”). The Greek noun for “overcomer” is nike and the verb nikao meant “to conquer or prevail.” A well-known athletic apparel company, whose swoosh or checkmark has been called the most recognized symbol of any sports brand, takes its name from Nike, Greek mythology’s goddess of victory.  

What does it take to be an overcomer? First John 5:4 says, “This is the victory [nikao] that overcomes the world: even our faith” (New International Version). The dominant characteristic of an overcomer is faith. Not an unexamined faith. Not a bland, shoulder-shrugging faith that takes the path of least resistance. And not faith in just anything. The next verse says, “Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God” (v. 5). 

Lost Zest 

The Lord addressed his final letter to Laodicea, located six miles from another town called Hierapolis (mentioned in Colossians 4:13). Today, Hierapolis is a large national park and archaeological site where tourists bathe in hot springs. I visited there during a trip to Turkey two years ago. Later that day, I walked across the site of first-century Colosse and saw a stream fed by cold-water springs. Those hot and cold springs helped to illustrate how the Christians in nearby Laodicea had become complacent and self-satisfied. The Lord said, “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” (Revelation 3:15-16). 

Coffee and tea are best piping hot or ice cold. Who wants to consume room temperature chili or a lukewarm milkshake? The Greek word for hot is zestos. The Laodicean Christians had lost their zest. Their half-hearted faith was as unappetizing and nauseating as last night’s dishwater.  

What causes spiritual lukewarmness? Some new converts start out on fire for the Lord, but their enthusiasm wanes as time passes. Careless believers get entangled by Satan’s lies, or they simply try to avoid discomfort, looking for the easy way. But Jesus doesn’t offer a corner-cutting path to discipleship. Following him requires denying yourself and taking up a cross (Mark 8:34).  

Compromise is fine at garage sales where buyers and sellers meet each other halfway. But you won’t win a race if you only run half of it. You won’t keep a job long if you only show up half of the time. And you will miss God’s best if you only give him half of your heart.  

First-century Laodicea was a prosperous city. Garment makers there made money weaving robes from the soft, purplish-black wool of a unique breed of sheep that grazed nearby. And the city’s medical doctors developed a salve for treating eye ailments. The Lord told the prideful, over-confident Laodiceans, “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” (Revelation 3:17).  

Overcoming Half-Heartedness 

How can a lukewarm Christian get back on the right track?  

Heed the Lord’s counsel. Jesus said, “I counsel you . . .” (v. 18). Laodicea means “judgment of the people” or “people ruling,” but Christ is the Wonderful Counselor. We must obey his voice no matter what others say.  

Wholeheartedly embrace God’s righteousness and grace. The Lord continued, “Buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see” (v. 18). We must be robed in Christ’s righteousness, not our own.  

Humbly accept the Lord’s correction. The Lord loved the Laodiceans enough to confront them with hard truth. He said, “Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent” (v. 19). 

Welcome the Lord’s presence. Christ said, “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” (v. 20). This famous verse wasn’t written to non-Christians, but to lukewarm believers who were shutting him out. He was trying to gain entrance to his own home—to hearts where he rightfully belonged.  

Each of the seven letters to the churches ends with a promise to overcomers. But in this final letter, Christ adds an important statement: “Just as I was victorious” (v. 21). The Lord’s victory over sin, death, and despair isn’t something to be half-hearted about! Do we “hear what the Spirit says to the churches” (v. 22)? 

This is the last in a series of seven weekly articles based on Christ’s letters to the seven churches in the book of Revelation.  

David Faust serves as contributing editor of Christian Standard and senior associate minister with East 91^st Street Christian Church in Indianapolis, Indiana. He is the author of Married for Good.