If there is one thing that this COVID-19 pandemic has taught everyone it is that life is fragile. Death can come for anyone and everyone, and when it does, we will have to face what comes afterwards. Do you know where you will be going after death? Take a moment for reflection at this time.
One thing that has been brought to my attention, especially nowadays in this new wave of “progressive Christianity,” is that Christians are not as proactive as they should be. Many of us have fallen into a comfortable pattern of doing “enough”. We pray often “enough”. We minister the word “enough”. The Bible never said to do “enough”; it said to serve the Lord with all your heart. The Bible said we are to be diligent in Christ, consistently and earnestly seeking him morning, noon, and night.
Now is not the time to be a lukewarm Christian.
A lukewarm Christian is someone indecisive and inconsistent in their walk with God. They come to church on Sunday, sing a few songs, read the Scripture, leave, and don’t give another thought to God until next Sunday. Their walk from Monday to Saturday doesn’t reflect that of a Christian and they only pray when they are in need. Their faith is easily swayed, and the Word of God isn’t stored upon their hearts.
With a lukewarm Christian, they are more fearful of God’s punishment rather than the nature of sin itself. They are more concerned with the ways of the world than they are of God’s will. The fear of ridicule from worldly people stops them from fulfilling their purpose as Christians, and the fear of the Lord does not dwell in their hearing.
The Bible says that lukewarm Christians will not inherit the kingdom of Heaven.
15 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.
Revelation 3:15-16
The Christian faith is under attack in all areas of our community.
The entertainment industry is filled with explicit and demonic content. Our schools are promoting and encouraging an atheist point of view. In some parts of the world, Christians are forbidden and punished from reading the Bible. Christian values are mocked and when we try to stand up, we are called discriminatory and judgmental and told that we are forcing our religion on other people.
Now is not the time to be lukewarm. It’s quite dangerous to be lukewarm nowadays. Now is the time to stand up for God and hold on tightly to our faith. If we don’t, we will easily be swept away from God, and when the time comes, we will not inherit the kingdom of God.
How do I stop being lukewarm?
Change is possible, no matter the area of life you are in. The key is that you have to want to change and be disciplined to fulfill the change.
Tip #1: Be honest and transparent with yourself.
This can sometimes be scary because there is a lot about ourselves that we rather not acknowledge. Nevertheless, we have to be honest about our shortcomings, hypocrisy, and sinful ways if we hope to fully step into the greatness that God has in store for us.
Tip #2: Use wisdom
Wisdom is the greatest gift or quality that we could have. With wisdom, we can discern what is good for ourselves and what needs to go. We can see how behaviours that are harmless in the eyes of the world, are hindering our progression and walk with God. Determining if what you are surrounding yourself with is harmful or helpful requires wisdom. And yes – it is important to be transparent with yourself here, too! It is important to do this because everything affects our relationship with Christ.
Tip #3: Spend time in the Word
Nothing can substitute going through the Bible and reading the Scripture. Yes, there are Bible scholars and teachers who can translate and understand the Word well; however, God speaks to everyone differently. There might be something in Scripture that speaks to you personally. Remember, it’s not enough to just read the Word. God wants us to store verses in our hearts, meditate on them, and use them to guide our walk with him.
Tip #4: Seek counsel from Christian leaders
Strong Christian leaders, like pastors, are available and able to counsel and support you as you learn about growing closer to God and shifting your behaviours towards godly practices.
Tip #5: Evaluate yourself regularly
Our walk with God has to be active, not passive. In every moment of every day we are forced to react to situations, and we have to train ourselves to react in godly ways. Self-evaluation and intentional decision-making can help to make positive choices that draw us closer to God. Journaling is a good way to keep track of your walk. You can write helpful Bible verses, write things you are grateful for, and other things that are in your heart.
Remember, change is possible!
No matter what situation you are in, you can turn a life around. If God didn’t think redemption was possible for humans, he would have never sent his Son for us.
What are your thoughts? Comment and share below. We want to hear from you!