In the book of Revelation, Jesus spoke to the church in Laodicea and 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)
At first glance, this seems strange. Why would Jesus prefer someone to be cold rather than lukewarm?
Many people assume that “cold” means being far from God and “hot” means loving God. But the historical context helps us understand this passage better.
The city of Laodicea received its water through aqueducts. Hot water came from nearby thermal springs and was useful for healing. Cold water came from other cities and was refreshing to drink. But by the time the water reached Laodicea, it had become lukewarm, unpleasant, and often caused nausea.
Jesus was using an image that the people of Laodicea understood perfectly.
This does not mean that Jesus prefers people who are far from God. Rather, He was pointing out that both cold water and hot water had a purpose, but lukewarm water did not. His warning was directed at those who claimed to follow God but had stopped living a genuine faith. They were believers in name only, but their relationship with God was no longer producing fruit or transformation.
The problem was not that they were cold. The problem was that they were no longer fulfilling the purpose God had called them to. They were not refreshing anyone. They were not bringing healing to anyone. They were not making an impact. They had lost their passion and commitment.
They claimed to believe in God, but their faith was no longer transforming their lives.
And if we are honest, that can happen to us as well.
We can continue attending church, listening to sermons, and reading Bible verses on social media while still having a heart that is distant from God.
Spiritual lukewarmness does not always look like rebellion. Often, it looks like comfort.
It happens when we stop seeking God with the same desire we once had.
When we pray out of habit.
When we know what is right but no longer practice it.
When we want Jesus as Savior, but not as Lord.
The good news is that Jesus did not speak these words to condemn, but to awaken.
A few verses later, He declares:
“Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline.”
In other words, if Jesus points out lukewarmness, it is because there is still hope.
Maybe today you do not need to return to church. Maybe you already attend every week.
Perhaps what you need is to rekindle your relationship with God.
To speak with Him sincerely again.
To depend on Him once more.
To love Him the way you did when you first began your walk with Christ.
Before we finish, I want to leave you with this thought: God is not looking for perfect people. He is looking for surrendered hearts. The danger is not in struggling or falling; the real danger is becoming comfortable with a faith that lacks passion, commitment, and transformation.
I invite you to join me in this prayer:
Lord Jesus, examine my heart. Show me if I have become lukewarm without realizing it. Forgive me for the times I have settled for a shallow faith. Ignite the fire of Your Spirit in my life once again. I want to seek You with all my heart and live in a way that pleases You every day. In Your name I pray. Amen.
SomosCristianos
Connecting hearts with Christ.
