Apathy in the Church
By George Stroh
February 26, 2013
To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God, says this: I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. (Revelation 3:14-16)
When you are thirsty, a cold drink is welcome, and likewise, there are times when a hot beverage is satisfying. But a lukewarm drink is not very tasty. The risen Lord Jesus Christ sent a message to His church in Laodicea warning them about their "lukewarm" spiritual condition. This was an actual local church in the first century, but like all of the seven letters to the churches, the church in Laodicea is representative of many churches and Christians today.
Jesus Christ is the head of the church and the church is His body; ...as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body. (Ephesians 5:23b). Having deeds that are neither hot nor cold exhibits an apathetic spiritual condition of the church that is obviously very distasteful and unsatisfying to our Lord. Unfortunately, I believe that many so called Christians today have a "lukewarm" Christian attitude and lifestyle. They claim to know and trust Jesus as their Savior and Lord, but their worldly attitudes, apathy and ungodly deeds belie their Christian testimony. Someone once said, "If you were ever arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?"
The church in Laodicea thought that they had arrived spiritually, that they were self-sufficient, and totally acceptable to God with no spiritual needs; Because you say, "I am rich and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing". But Jesus told them; "and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked." (Revelation 3:17). Like many who call themselves Christians today, these folks were deceived, either spiritually asleep or more likely still dead in their sins. They had some outward appearances of righteousness, but lacked the true righteousness available through faith in Christ alone.
Jesus warned them; I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see. Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent. (Revelation 3:18-19). Jesus offers something far more valuable than gold. His gospel truth is godly wisdom and provides salvation through grace by faith; So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. (Romans 19:17) White garments represent the righteousness of Christ and His eye salve opens our spiritual eyes to see His truth.
Those whom Jesus loves, He reproves and disciplines. Too many Christians and local churches are apathetic about their faith and are, at best, spiritually "lukewarm", being conformed to the world's way of thinking and acting. If they are really Christians, there spiritual light is sadly hidden under a basket and their spiritual salt has become useless... Therefore be zealous and repent! Maranatha!
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