On Tuesday, I remember that God is my Judge

And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: 'The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s creation.

'I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, 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 in to him and eat with him, and he with me. The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.' (Revelation 3:14-22)

To this church, Jesus has nothing good to say. They are the most reprehensible of all the churches. Why? Because of wanton sin like some of the others? Because of idolatry? Or doctrinal error? No. Because they simply aren’t too committed to anything. Jesus even says it would be better if they were cold to the gospel. They are affluent, satisfied with their wealth, and think they are OK. Jesus says they are naked, poor, blind and pitiable. They sound like a good many churches today.

Are they hopeless? No. Jesus reminds them that he reproves and disciplines those he loves. He is giving them an opportunity to repent. But it will not be comfortable. It starts with using gold refined by fire. That may mean they have to embrace hard trials and service in order to see how self-reliant they have been—to get into situations where only Jesus is the answer. He’s knocking and waiting. But not forever.

How does this apply to you? Are you going through trials? If so, be thankful—they are signs of Jesus’ love so that you don’t become lukewarm. Are you like this church? Look for opportunities for Jesus to shake you up and awaken you to your need for him alone.

--Charlie