Don’t Settle for Laodicea

Categories: AACC BLOG

Don’t Settle for Laodicea

Yes, in the Book of Revelation, we are considered to be the church of Laodicea. As you read the description of this church in Bible prophecy, it all seems to fit our present day and age, doesn’t it” These words weren’t spoken by just anyone, they were spoken by Jesus. “And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God.” Revelation 3:14 (NKJV).

“I know your works, that you are neither cold or hot. I would wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.” Revelation 3: 15, 16 (NKJV). Lukewarm is described as a food or liquid that should be hot but is only moderately warm. This doesn’t sound very appetizing. Many of us reheat our tea or coffee after it has sat too long in the cup and become lukewarm. It is not appealing to us in that state. It was meant to be hot.

As followers of Christ we were meant to be full of the Holy Spirit and on fire for God. We were meant to be powerful, not weak or lukewarm. We were meant to make a difference in this world, to shine as lights in the darkness, and to pray fervent effective prayers. The term “lukewarm” is also defined as showing little enthusiasm or as being indifferent or apathetic. This type of Christianity simply won’t cut it in our current world situation. If we settle for Laodicea, we won’t be ready for what we are facing on a daily basis in our nation and in the world at large.

“Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy; and have need of nothing’—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked—I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.” Revelation 3:17,18 (NKJV). We can’t settle for the false sense of security that wealth offers. The uncertainties we face in our generation won’t allow us to hold too tightly to these props. Instead, we can choose to stand firm in our faith and rely on God to meet our spiritual and daily needs.

God has also called us to be holy. He speaks of buying from Him “white garments that you may be clothed”. In the midst of a generation that holds to the lie of relative truth, we are meant to be a holy nation, set apart for God’s glory. We don’t have to settle for the values of Laodicea. God’s Word is our basis for truth in every area of our lives. We will have difficulty living a holy life if we are lukewarm. Yet, God has given us everything we need to live victorious lives in this world.

The cure for the lukewarm church is found in the following verse, “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” Revelation 3:19, 20 (NKJV). We often think of this verse as being for evangelism, but in this context it is for the church. It’s a bit sad that Jesus has to ask His church to open the door so He can enter. Christ will not open the door to a church or a person’s heart by force. The door can only be opened from the inside. This scene was captured by an artist years ago in a painting of Christ knocking on the door of His church. He is standing outside the door, with weeds grown up around the building and notably, there is no handle on the outside of the door.

We don’t have to settle for Laodicea. We can be full of the Holy Spirit, on fire for God, and holy. As we open our ears to Christ’s words, we will realize that we were destined for such a time as this.

“To him who overcomes, I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.” Revelation 3:21 (NKJV).

Stephanie Murphy, LMFT is a licensed marriage and family therapist, missionary, and author. Her latest book, Rising Higher – Spirituality and Grace in the Healing of Generational Dysfunction can be found on Amazon or on her author website at stephaniemurphychristiancounseling.com