The weather has turned cold in our area and we will likely not experience 50 degrees weather again until at least March. So we turn up the thermostat and bundle up in warm clothes. All this in an effort to feel like it is Spring. Of course, in the Summer we adjust by doing the opposite, shedding clothing layers and turning down the thermostat. All these efforts are needed so that we can keep our bodies at a desired temperature.
We also have internal thermostats that measure our emotional, social, and spiritual temperatures. Our passions are said to be set aflame by desires. Interpersonal relationships run hot and cold. And our walk with God can vary by many degrees. We try to regulate these thermostats by self-control but generally do not succeed for long.
In the book of Revelation Jesus speaks to a church that has become lukewarm in their faith when He says, “I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see.”
Jesus is warning us all that He does not accept a lukewarm faith. If we are cold by denying Jesus, or lukewarm by failing to follow Him, we are blind to the truth, walking in darkness, and dressed in filthy rags. Only by believing in Jesus and following Him in obedience can we put on clothes of His righteousness, have our eyes opened to the truth, and be purified by His Spirit. We choose the spiritual temperature of our lives. We can remain cold to Jesus and suffer the consequences of our sins. Or we can allow Jesus to set our hearts aflame with love and grace.
Reluctant Retiree 