What Does it Mean to be Lukewarm?
In Revelations 3:15-16 it says, "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." This shows that Jesus does not want lukewarm Christians, and he knows that following him is hard. It will take sacrifice, dedication, encouragement, and for some considerable persecution. Your own walk with Jesus will require the same - it's not just professing belief, it is living those beliefs out in an often hostile culture and world.
Spiritual Growth
Are we growing spiritually?
What are the signs of spiritual growth and maturity? Is it how many years we say we grew up in church or attending church?
Are we praying, fasting, studying and getting deeper into the bible to know more about God?
Are we still behaving like a malnourished child, still drinking milk? Hebrews 5:13-14.
Are we still remembering and holding on to hurtful things of the past in our heart?
Are we very easily hurt and still live in a resentful way from a bad experience?
Are we still gossiping, backbiting and being malicious to anyone?
Do we still make everything, at home, work, church, socially, economically, emotionally, and financially bother us, instead of praying?
Are we still anxious about everything about life and let fear rob us of our peace, trust and confidence in God?
Are we striving to maturity, where the fruits of the spirit are concerned? Galatians 5:22-23.
Can these realities positively affect our spiritual growth and maturity? Philippians 4:8-9.
We all have issues and inner demons that we have to deal with. But what makes us all one in Christ is that he is our center, he is our heart, and he can guide us through our issues. Even though our problems may seem massive boulders too huge to move, they are like peanuts to Our Lord and Savior. The key to spiritual growth therefore, is to focus on God, get closer to him, become more like him, and continue to be better for the world so that one can make a very positive impact on others. When you grow out of your issues because of the way Christ has affected you, you create a testimony to others by the way you live.
