Tucked away in the book of Revelation is quite a powerful message. It is targeted to Christians in the church of a city called Laodicea. Laodicea was a remarkable city…a “model” city, in fact…as it was the center of finance, manufacturing, medicine, and fashion.
Interestingly, the city of Laodicea also had the distinction of having the dirtiest and foulest water supply in Asia Minor. Not only that, but also the water was tepid—neither hot nor cold.
And just like the lukewarm water that flowed through the city’s aqueducts, Laodicea was also full of Christians who were half-hearted in their commitment to God. They were more impressed with themselves, with their reputations, and with their bank accounts than they were with the God whom they professed to serve.
Here is what Christ said to them:
“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.” Revelation 3:15-16
Jesus compared the Christians in Laodicea to their own drinking water. In essence, He said, “You are, in your indifference to me, making me sick. Your apathy is making me nauseous. Your half-hearted commitment makes me feel like I’ve just drunk a glass of your water!”
As I read this passage recently I had a startling thought: What a warning this is for you and me!
Jesus showed the Christians at Laodicea their spiritual blind spots just like He wants to show us our spiritual areas of blindness.
Today Jesus asks you, “Are you realistic about your spiritual condition? Are you smug or self-satisfied with where you are spiritually? Are you resting on your worldly reputation? Do you place your confidence in material possessions?”
Beloved, the truth is that every one of us—including this pastor—has blind spots. The question is how we deal with our blind spots when Jesus alerts us to them.
A godly person is grateful and then examines his life before the Lord. An ungodly person becomes angry. And a third group of people do nothing at all. They don’t react one way or the other. They are half-hearted toward God.
If this apathetic attitude describes you today, I pray that you will embrace the conviction of your heart and respond to it. Then I hope that you will turn your half-heartedness into a life that takes risks for God without fear of failure…a life of true adventure for Him!
Dr. Michael Youssef is the founding pastor of The Church of The Apostles in