How Goes Your Faith?

"All growth that is not toward God is growing to decay." - George Macdonald

We have seen what can result when religious belief is carried to extremes, and when it flounders in lethargy. Too much or too little of anything can have a detrimental effect. But what if it runs neither hot or cold, but lukewarm?

This was the case in the church of Laodicea, one of the seven churches of Asia Minor referred to in the Book of Revelation (Revelation 3:14-22). The indifference it exhibited was so disgusting it sickened the Lord (Revelation 3:16).

They were not so unlike many of us at present. Their time and attention was focused more on temporal comforts, possessions, and entertainment (Revelation 3:17). Meanwhile, dedication and passion toward the Lord was tepid and weak.

Especially at this time of the year, it's easy to get swept up in the clamor, uproar, and excitement of politics, television, sports, etc. There's nothing wrong with these as long as they do not affect our spiritual needs.

All too often, however, they do. It is then that complacency, ignorance, and self-sufficiency take hold. The result is that Christ takes a back-seat in our lives instead of being the driver (Romans 12:1-2).

Fortunately, all is not lost. Like the church in Laodicea, the pathway to repentance and expectation is not closed to us either. Though our conduct towards Him may be outright abhorrent, the Lord is ever gracious to us (Revelation 3:20).

Jesus did not come to earth to conform to the status quo. He came to engage, inspire, and motivate our hearts and minds (Matthew 10:34). For us to do anything less is offensive. A lukewarm faith is a passionless, ineffective faith.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:3-4; John 5:39-40; Hebrews 11:6; Ephesians 4:19; Titus 1:16

Prayer: Dear Jesus, may You strengthen and replenish my faith and love for You every single day, amen.

Blessings always,

Cyndy