From Lukewarm to Life-Giving: Becoming a Refreshing Christian

Summary

Jesus rebuked the church in Laodicea for being spiritually lukewarm—neither refreshing nor healing. Though wealthy and self-satisfied, they were blind to their true condition. Christ called them to repent, receive His righteousness, and gain spiritual sight. He still knocks, seeking fellowship with believers who open their hearts to Him. True discipleship means surrendering personal desires, becoming living sacrifices, and refreshing others through Christlike service that leads to eternal reward and shared reign with Him.

Becoming a Refreshing Christian

Are you a Christian who is like a cold glass of water on a hot day? Do your words, attitudes, and actions refresh others? Do you bring the fragrance of the knowledge of Jesus wherever you go?

Why Laodicea Failed

If you are like me, there is room for improvement. The church at Laodicea had room for improvement (Revelation 3:14-22). Let us consider how they missed the mark, and how we can hit it.

They had a lot going for them. Their town produced soft, black wool that made them rich and famous. Their medical school produced an eye salve that was much in demand. However, it was not the perfect place to live.

A spring six miles away provided inferior drinking water. Jesus told them their Christianity was as unrefreshing as their water. He knew their true spiritual condition. They could refresh others only by abiding in Him (John 15:5).

Jesus labeled their worthless works “lukewarm.” They provided neither refreshment for the spiritually weary nor healing for the spiritually sick. They were self-satisfied, idle, and indifferent.

The Danger of Self-Deception

They thought they were thriving while they refreshed no one. The church gave herself an A.

Jesus gave her an F. He said she was “wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked” (Revelation 3:17 NIV).

Jesus counseled the Laodiceans to buy things they thought they already had. Similarly, He warns us that a superficial faith does not improve our character and conduct or make us useful. It is not the faith commitment necessary for salvation.

What Jesus Offers

Like them, we need white garments to cover the shame of our nakedness. They symbolize God’s righteousness, which He credits to our account through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.

They needed eyes to see their true spiritual condition. So do we. Spiritually healthy Christians are never self-satisfied.

Jesus Still Knocks

Like a shepherd, Jesus sought the Laodiceans, and He seeks us. He continued to knock, hoping they would respond. He does the same for us.

He promised He would walk through the door they opened to Him and join them in the main, unhurried meal of the day. He wanted to be their friend and companion. He wants to be ours. Have you opened the door to Him? He saves us by grace through faith alone.

The Call to Overcome

Jesus promised faithful Christians that they would sit and reign with Him on His throne (Revelation 3:21). He overcame through the cross, and God then highly exalted Him. We also overcome through the cross.

Taking up our cross means saying no to our plans, desires, and goals so we can say yes to His. We offer ourselves as living sacrifices to meet the needs of others.

Eternal Reward for Faithful Service

We spend our lives for that which will outlast them. Jesus only trusts us to rule if we are willing to serve sacrificially. See additional free spiritual growth resources for Christians.   #freediscipleshipresources #freeevangelismresources #freechristianleadershipresources

God has empowered me to write His Power for Your Weakness—260 Steps Toward Spiritual Strength. It’s a free, evangelistic, devotional, and discipleship e-book. Pastors have used it in Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia to lead 7,541 people to Christ and teach the basics of Christianity to 17,361 people. I invite you to explore and use it in your setting.

Photo: Image Creator (microsoft.com)