Theme: Living for Jesus
Revelation 3:15-16 "I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth."
Reflection:
To start unpacking this verse, we must first explore the popular metaphor of the devil's fence. This metaphor includes a man who is forced to choose between fulfilling the sinful desires of his flesh or surrendering to God by making temporary sacrifices for a greater reward. Each way of living has a designated side of a field with a fence in the middle separating the two. The man decides that he is going to sit on the fence so that he may have a little bit of each world. He believes he will be able to reap the benefits of peace and love that come from God while continuing to indulge in sexual immorality, monetary greed, among other desires of the flesh. However, when he sits on the fence, Satan laughs at him and claims that the fence belongs to him because you are either all in with Jesus or all out.
This is a very good parallel to the description of lukewarm Christianity that we see in this verse. How can we claim Jesus as our Savior but continue to serve Satan? The answer is that we cannot. It is clear throughout the Bible that we cannot serve two Gods. Therefore, we must devote every aspect of our lives to Christ, or we will not be accepted on Judgement Day.
Questions to Consider:
How do your daily choices reflect who you serve? Why is it tempting to try to live in both worlds at once? What aspects of your sinful, worldly life are you afraid of giving up?
Application:
Identify two distinct areas of your life that are compromising your faith. Make the decision to completely surrender them to God and turn towards His holy ways. Then identify the benefit these sacrifices will have in the future.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father,
We thank You that You are a jealous God. Lord, we pray that we can identify the areas of our lives where we are "sitting on the fence" and be honest with You about these struggles. We know that You examine our hearts and minds, so we just ask that You give us the strength to admit our weaknesses to You. Help us to give ourselves grace as we work through these areas. Thank You for being patient as we lift our eyes wholly to You, Lord. All of this is in Your holy name, Amen.
Add comment
Comments