Posted in: The Blog by admin on July 7, 2011
If I were to preach a sermon here at Marcus Pointe, what you’re about to read is essentially what I would preach. It’s something the Lord has laid on my heart over the past few months. And everyday, I think about it. why? because God has placed the conviction in my heart in order to be more Christ like. I find myself saying, “No Robbie…” more often now. And because of that, my eyes have been opened to not only my sin, but what others around me are doing. And so, I’m writing this not to discourage you, but to help open your eyes much like mine have been.
So what is it? well, I’ve been studying Francis Chan lately and in his book “Crazy Love”, he speaks about the “Lukewarm Christian”. what is a lukewarm Christian? well, let me give a few examples.
- Lukewarm Christians will serve God and others, but there’s a limit as to how much time they’ll dedicate in doing that. They’ll also limit how much they really help. they do just enough to feel good about themselves.
- Lukewarm Christians are thankful for their luxuries and comfort, but rarely consider giving to the poor.
- Lukewarm Christians will give $1,000 of their own money to the casinos of Biloxi, but won’t place a dime in the offering plate.
- Lukewarm Christians say they love Jesus, and he’s apart of their lives no doubt. but, only on a part time basis. They allow Jesus into their life when they feel it’s convenient.
And there are many more examples. but, what I’m about to say may shock some of you. I think most of the American Church dosen’t understand the meaning of being “Sold Out” to Jesus Christ. think about it, if you were 100% dedicated to a certain job, activity, or hobby, what would that require of you?
In the book, Chan speaks of the commercials about joining the Military. And I thought to myself, what a great example. Say you see that commercial and want to join the Marines. And when you get to boot camp, you go to the drill sergeant and say, “You know, I think I ran enough yesterday, so today I’m going to sit over here and just watch you guys.” ….. ARE YOU KIDDING? Do you know what would happen if you ever said that to a drill sergeant? If you don’t know, ask one of our fellow Military personnel walking around the Church. They’ll be glad to explain what would happen. That would be the DUMBEST thing you could ever tell a drill sergeant.
So… with that said, how is being a Christian any different? when you join the Military, they expect 100% of you. If not, you’re gone. HOW IS THAT ANY DIFFERENT WHEN IT COMES TO JESUS CHRIST? come on Church….think about it. how is that any different?
Imagine yourself standing face to face with Jesus and saying, “Jesus…today I’m not going to serve you. I served you enough yesterday. So, I’m just going to sit over here and watch.” ……. take a moment, and honestly put yourself in front of our Lord saying that.
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.
That verse alone has changed everything about what I do. sure, I trip up every now and then. but that verse has opened my eyes. I’ve come to realize that I don’t want to be a “Lukewarm Christian” as I have in the past. I don’t want to pick and choose when I serve our God. I don’t want to treasure material things on this earth. I don’t want to gossip about other Church members about petty stuff that doesn’t matter. WHAT MATTERS IS LEADING PEOPLE TO JESUS CHRIST AND IN ORDER TO DO THAT WE MUST CONSUME OUR LIFE 100% WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT BECAUSE IT’S THE KINGDOM THAT MATTERS……THAT’S ALL THAT MATTERS….. Not the nonsense we worry about here on this earth. the little stuff that separate us as Christians DOES NOT MATTER. And if we let the devil get in and divide us with issues that has absolutely no determination on wether we go to Heaven or not, then there is NO WAY we can dedicate 100% of our life to Jesus Christ and help lead our neighbors to the way, the truth, and the life .
Read it again… “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other.”
Be honest with yourself about this. Please…be honest and ask yourself. am I a lukewarm Christian?
