Take Heed

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"To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation. 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. You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."

(Rev 3:14-22)

Familiar chapter on lukewarmness, but never fails to make me uncomfortable, because it paints a reflection of me that I would rather not see. No Christian wants to be called "lukewarm", but the unfortunate fact is that many of us are. I am definitely a culprit as well.

I am neither "hot nor cold" when I can go through most parts of my life without a conscious sense of dependence on God. I am lukewarm when I think I am doing well in the sight of God and men, often making many decisions without first seeking the guidance and direction of the One I call Lord, so ften neglecting and ignoring the presence of God in my life.
I depend on my gifts, my abilities, my resources to get me through situations, in making decisions, often taking so many things for granted. I often pride myself on how capable I am to be able to do all that I can. How often do I pause to give thanks to the Source of my the resources, gifts and abilities? How often do I really allow God to decide for me, instead of assuming what I want for my life will have the approval of God?

When was the last time that I have rejected the easy path, and chosen God's narrow path for me, to forego comfort so as to allow God's fires to refine me?

What am I wearing now? Clothes that look good in the eyes of men, which is nakedness to God, or the white clothes of righteousness of Christ?

What are my eyes looking at now? Is my vision so tuned to the ways of the world that I have become blind to what really pleases the Lord?

Ps YC gave us all a good reminder recently from Psalm 147 on what really pleases the Lord:

His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of a man;
the LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.

We may have gotten many things wrong, especially if we think that it is our earthly achievements that gain us His favour and delight.

But there is hope. The loving & heartwarming words from our Heavenly Father are in Rev 3:20-22.

It starts with me. Take heed. Repent. Overcome.
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