TEPID CHRISTIANITY

The Lord's attributes of sincerity and truth come to the fore as He deals with those whose devotion is superficial and wavering. None of the other churches examined in Revelation fair as poorly as Laodicea ... 

I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of my mouth. Revelation 3:15-16

Some have wondered why Jesus would rather have them be 'cold' than 'lukewarm'. The only thing God hates more than a lack of faith ... is hypocritical faith. Inconsistent religious conviction is more damaging than no conviction at all (for an unbeliever may one day be on fire for Christ). 

For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing; not knowing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. Revelation 3:17

'Self-sufficiency' is the enemy of abiding faith. A prideful heart denies its dependency upon the Lord until things fall apart. It becomes a soul-wrenching revolving door ...

1. Men suffer lack or affliction and turn to God.
2. God responds to repentance with provision and blessing.
3. Men glory in their prosperity and grow tepid toward God.
4. Judgment falls and the wheel goes round again.

Therefore I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, that you may be rich, and white garments to clothe you and to keep the shame of your nakedness from being seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, that you may see. Revelation 3:18

A renunciation of any and all reliance upon one's own righteousness and wisdom ... that is the cost of discipleship. 

Those whom I love, I reprove and chasten; so be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come into him and eat with him, and he with Me.  Revelation 3:19-20

Take your temperature, pilgrim. 

If you feel convicted, take comfort in the fact that Christ wrote that letter of rebuke ... it indicates that an opportunity for change exists. They were not so far gone that He would silently abandon the Laodicians to their own devices. 

The gulf between good and evil is widening as the 'Day of the Lord' approaches, and you are being called to make a decision. There will be no one on the fence when Christ returns.