“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 3:15-16]
Why is it that so many Christians are apathetic? How have so many become lukewarm in their faith and not maintained burning hearts. One writer of old talked about the fellowship of the burning hearts. Where is such a fellowship in the average church? Are there burning hearts in the pews? The bigger question for us today is whether our heart burns for God within us?
It would be easy to justify being lukewarm in our hearts if it were not for this scripture. Imagine the horrific picture of Christ spewing out lukewarm religion from His mouth. That is not the picture I want for my life or for the church. I want to burn in my soul for the Lord and to pastor a church with hearts that are set ablaze for Him.
I think one of the reasons we become lukewarm is because we do not take the time to linger in the fire of His presence. If you and I were to go camping and start a fire and then go to bed, it would be foolish to get up the next morning and to try to warm ourselves by the ashes. If we found embers we could stir them and get a fire going again but it would not last long without more fuel being added. We would have to find some fresh firewood to keep the fire going.
Many Christians have become lukewarm or cold in the faith because the fire went out a long time ago and they did not put more fuel on the fire. Worship experiences of yesterday will not suffice for today. We must have the fresh fuel of private worship day in and day out if we are to burn and boil for the Lord.
This is not new but it is tragic how many in the church today are still trying to warm themselves beside the ashes of yesterday’s fires. For many even the embers have died as well. “O God, I plead with You to blow across the ashes of our lives and rekindle Your flame within our souls. I plead with You, blow across those embers until they ignite and cause us to burn for You once again. Please allow the fuel of Your word and prayer to add more intensity to the flame in our souls. May our private worship enhance the heat and fervor of our corporate worship”.
Steps to Revival
1. What is the condition of your soul? Are you burning, cold, or lukewarm?
2. Are you trying to warm yourself beside the ashes of past experiences?
3. If you are not burning spend some time asking the Lord to fan the flames of your heart.
4. What new fuel do you need to keep the fire burning in your heart?
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