Neither Hot nor Cold

What does it mean to live a life of faith? What does a life truly led by the Holy Spirit look like? When somebody says to you that they are a "follower of Christ", what does that mean? These are some questions that I have been pondering lately, and although I may not be able to answer any of these questions, I do have some of my own personal insights.

Being raised a Christian, I was taught from a very young age that if I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, then I would be forgiven of all of my transgressions and I would have a place secured in heaven. I have said a prayer to accept Christ into my heart more times than I can count throughout the course of my life, but for some reason, there was a very specific instance in 2nd grade that sticks out to me the most. I was attending a private school, and I remember I was sitting, coloring away at my desk (and not staying inside the lines, mind you) when I began to ask my teacher about Jesus. I don't specifically remember the questions I asked, but the conversation resulted in my teacher making an offer that I couldn't refuse: she asked if I was willing to accept Jesus Christ into my heart as my Lord and Savior. I excitedly agreed, and I closed my eyes and began to repeat the prayer that she was dictating to me. I remember having my eyes closed so tight, and being so sincere with each and every word that was spoken. You might say that in that moment, I had childlike faith in the purest sense. It was a time far before I knew what life really was, and on that day, the 2nd grade me chose to follow Christ.

Fast forward about 12 years, almost a year after I graduated from high school. My life is one that is not committed to Christ. I am a "Christian", I'm serving in the youth group at my church, and on the surface, it appears that I am doing good things, that I am following the Lord's will for my life. However, this was not the case. I was living a lie. In the years that had passed since 2nd grade, I had drifted far away from God. I mean, sure, I attended youth group and served at the church throughout high school, and yes, I attended church weekly, but isn't that what most "Christians" do?  Isn't that what solicits the "Christian" title? During this time, I thought that this was the case. It took several years, and lots of pain, heartache, and sorrow for me to learn that I couldn't be further from the truth.

In Revelation 3:16, John writes, "So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth!" In context, this passage is written as part of a message to the seven Churches on Earth that Christ addresses in the first 3 chapters of the book of Revelation, which was revealed to John through an angel sent by Him. However, this passage has a deeper meaning that applicable to all of our lives as Christians. What does it mean to be lukewarm? According to the verse, it means to be neither "hot" nor "cold". When I read this passage, I look at it in a spiritual context. I think that when one is "cold", it means that this person has yet to hear the good news of the gospel, and has no way of attaining a relationship with Christ; for example, and forgive me if this seems feeble: a person living in a third-world country that missionaries have yet to reach. In contrast, when one is "hot", this person is living a life that is truly, fully-committed to Christ in every aspect. Anybody who has even heard about Christ has the opportunity to be "hot". So, with these two definitions in place, this is what to be lukewarm means to me: knowing Christ, but consciously choosing not to follow Him. 

So, the reality is this: We are all lukewarm to some degree. Christ set a clear example of what it means to truly live, yet we all fall short in some way. Many Christians will simply place their faith in Christ, and they'll call it good. They may be Christians, but their life is not an accurate reflection of somebody who is truly following Christ. I am not saying that simply placing your faith in Christ is wrong, in fact, on the contrary; having faith in Christ is an extremely important step towards our salvation. However, I do believe that a true life of faith is accompanied by true action. James 2:14-17 says, "What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, 'Go in peace; keep warm and well fed', but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." I don't think James is simply saying, "Oh, give money to the homeless person begging on the street, then you're good". No; It is so much more than that. Our every-day behavior should be a reflection of our faith which we have placed in Christ.

This is something that will constantly be a work in progress in all of our lives. Believe me, I know how easy it is to be caught up in worldly sin and be blinded to the Lord's will for our life. Falling into sin is much easier than following the narrow path. But God is so good, and He is not trying to withhold anything from us; it's quite the opposite. He has nothing but overwhelming joy and peace intended for us; we just have to allow Him to lead our lives. James 2:26 states, "As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead." So, let your deeds be a reflection of Christ's presence in your life, and allow the joy and peace that is found in Him and Him alone to fill your heart and change your being.


P.S. Francis Chan wrote an entire chapter about "lukewarm Christianity" in his book, Crazy Love. Check it out.