Half-Hearted Commitment

[Ncdataman]

Half-Hearted Commitment

" 'I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, I will spit you out of my mouth!' "
— Revelation 3:15?16


Milk is great cold. There's nothing quite like a cold glass of milk with some cookies. Milk is also good hot. With a little chocolate syrup, it's great. But lukewarm milk? The thought of it is sickening. It just doesn't cut it.

In Revelation 3, Jesus spoke of lukewarm individuals. He said, "I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish you were one or the other!" (verse 15). It's interesting that Jesus said He would prefer either hot or cold. You would think He would have said, "I would rather you be hot. But if lukewarm is all I can get, it's better than nothing."

You would think that lukewarm would be more acceptable to Him, because it is somewhat close to hot. But Jesus was saying, "I don't want lukewarm. I don't want half-hearted commitments. I want you to decide. I want you in or I would rather you were out."

Here's why. If you're hot, you're in. If you're on fire, if you're walking with God, then you're where God wants you to be. But if you're cold, hopefully you will at least realize you're cold and one day realize your need for Christ and come to Him.

But the lukewarm person is in the worst state of all because he is self-deceived. The lukewarm person says, "I go to church. I read the Bible sometimes. I kind of believe in God—when it's convenient." That is the worst state of all. What is your spiritual temperature today?

Reprinted from Harvest.

 

[jari]

Luke warm person can also be self powered, when the power of God (Holy spirit) is not in Him.

(Joh 15:5 KJVA) I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.

But if we are humble, and therefore broken (cold):

(Psa 51:17 KJVA) The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.



Luke warm persom maybe strugling and trying to be warm and is never neither warm or cold..

Just another/additional view on this.

Some of them my personal thoughts.

 

[lbslott]

What are some ways to help...

My mother finally started coming to church with us on Sunday mornings, but she has yet to place membership and doesn't get involved with anything other than that. Several things she has said makes me believe she thinks she's already a member.

I also have several other family members who consider themselves Christians, but drink, smoke, swear, don't attend church, etc.

What are some ways that I can lovingly help them see why it's so important to truly put God first, and that the support of a church family is vital???

 

[Gracealone]

When Nicodemus came to Jesus by night, Jesus got right to the point, and said to him, "You must be Born again!"

That is a great example

Start with the question, when were you born again, tell me about it.
See where they are spiritually, then as God leads show them the good news, that Jesus loves them, and desires to forgive, and give them life eternal.

Just in a natural, loving way, show you care, and allow them to ask the reason for the hope you have, in you..... The rest comes natural, by the power of the Holy Spirit......he will guide.

Sometimes people aren't interested, so that is another story, just leave it alone until they are.

Hope someone adds to this, with further insight, maybe a Pastor here? Bless you, by the way!

 

[MySavior]

Here's my take on it. Jesus does not want those who are lukewarm, because when you are... You are being over powered and are focused too much on earthly things. The flesh so to speak. You cannot divide your attention equally between knowing Jesus fully and and "worshiping", so to speak, earthly things. Yes, we all have to deal with reality and earthly things because we are here and have responsibilities, but what he is saying is that our time on earth and earthly things are a like a snap of the fingers of what is to come after. Put Jesus Christ first, and therefore almighty God, above all else and he will provide for you and give you all you need. You can't be lukewarm and truly have a relationship with Jesus Christ. It's all or nothing. But, you decide which side you want to be on. Hot or cold. Basically, lukewarm is the same, if not worse than being cold. Lukewarm means you don't practice what Jesus teaches us, and that's WAY worse than being ignorant and therefore cold. Just my view on it.

 

[Dave M]

Here's my take on it. Jesus does not want those who are lukewarm, because when you are... You are being over powered and are focused too much on earthly things. The flesh so to speak. You cannot divide your attention equally between knowing Jesus fully and and "worshiping", so to speak, earthly things. Yes, we all have to deal with reality and earthly things because we are here and have responsibilities, but what he is saying is that our time on earth and earthly things are a like a snap of the fingers of what is to come after. Put Jesus Christ first, and therefore almighty God, above all else and he will provide for you and give you all you need. You can't be lukewarm and truly have a relationship with Jesus Christ. It's all or nothing. But, you decide which side you want to be on. Hot or cold. Basically, lukewarm is the same, if not worse than being cold. Lukewarm means you don't practice what Jesus teaches us, and that's WAY worse than being ignorant and therefore cold. Just my view on it.

Amen !!

This is a great thread and one I can so relate to . I have freinds that I call out and tell them I am worried they are luke warm, and they think I am crazy. I ask them questions like

1. Do you read the bible daily?? no
2. Do you attend church regularly? NO
3. Do you pray? they all say yes to this
----------------then I say do you pray on you face to the ground, most do not even get on there knees

Mind you I am not juding them I love them and want them to be on fire, I know they believe, but I am always trying to get them on fire and not having much success.

you know when I was lost I never knew it or would admit it, I really never new I was lost until I was saved.

I know having a pray list for you friends is very important, keep the faith, with God anything is possible, he saved the worst sinner I know ME

 

[MySavior]

Well, just because someone is lukewarm doesn't necessarily mean they aren't true believers. Nor, does it mean that they actually aren't believers and maybe one day something will strike them to make them truly turn to God. They likely are believers, They may or may not have been saved. I've been baptised, but I haven't been officially saved. You have to search for God through his word. Reading his word and understanding him, with diligence and dedication each and every day, could be all that is needed to feel his presence around and inside of you. One verse, read at the perfect time can be spine chilling. And, I haven't been saved and have I felt this many times. I personally think that God has a plan for all of us, and even for those who are lukewarm, and those who are are cold. It's our duty as true believers as to spread God's word (truth, love, patience, fulfillment, peace, mercy, etc.) through the words of our Lord Jesus Christ. I would say don't ask yes or no questions. You're giving them the option to choose 1 of 2 responses. Ask them, open ended questions... Like "What part or parts of the Bible for YOU has spoken out to you, so as much as to feel the holy spirit, even if for only a few seconds?" Help them remember what it feels like to close to God, because they have been. They are just too caught up in you guessed it... earthly things. Have patience with them just as Jesus himself is patience. And don't ask questions that create tension or come across aggressive; and particularly not any of those that have even the slightest possibility of coming across as judgemental. Asking them "do you do this and that, and that and this" is inherently in itself judgmental, even when unintended. This is because they are accusatory questions by nature. Acusation usually leads to judgement, just as an accused person of a crime will be judged in court. Pray for them. Send them your favorite verse of the day. Treat them as Jesus would; with dedication, persistence, forgiveness, and most of all patience. Battling the art of patience, just as Jesus was overflowing with it and the ideology of patience itself, is the key. Because without patience we can turn from God even when we don't intend to. This is an "I want this now" kind of world we live in, and it's getting worse with technology advancing as fast as it is. And with prime delivery, fast food, self checkouts, etc etc etc. It's in contrast with what we are suppose to be in our faith to the Lord. Just love them no matter what as Jesus would and they'll find him one day.