The only time we find the word ‘lukewarm’ in the Bible is in Revelation 3:15-16, “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.”  First, we see the definition of being lukewarm…neither cold nor hot.  Then we see the Lord detests this lukewarm spiritual condition.

We sometimes use the word apathy, which refers to a lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern.  This describes lukewarm pretty accurately.  If we allow the world to influence us, we will find that our love and our zeal for the Lord is diminished.  We will become lukewarm.  As has been said, lukewarm water is good for nothing.  We can drink cold water.  We can bathe in hot water.  But lukewarm water is no good. 

Lukewarmness in a believer can be found in our words and in our actions, although we can try to mask our true condition.  Of course, the lukewarm condition begins in our hearts.  Let’s consider Romans 12:1-2, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”  Realizing the seriousness of becoming like the world, with a heart for the world’s things, the Apostle Paul literally begs (beseeches) the believer to give ourselves to the Lord wholly, which is what every believer should do.  If we do not give ourselves to the Lord, we will be influenced by the world and become conformed to it.  YET, if we constantly renew our minds by being in God’s Word daily, by being before him in prayer in dependence upon Him, we will be transformed.  

With that being said, here are a few signs that one is becoming lukewarm in his relationship with the Lord:

  • Lack of private prayer.  When we lose the desire to speak with the Lord often, that certainly indicates that we have drifted away from Him.  The Lord wants to hear from us often with praise, thanksgiving, and giving Him all our needs.  Psalm 116:2 says, “Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live.”
  • Lack of reading of God’s Word.  If we are not feeding daily upon God’s Word, we grow weak and distant from the Lord who loves us greatly.  Let’s consider the words of Jeremiah the prophet in Jeremiah 15:16, “Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.”  As believers, we should have a hunger for the Word of God.  We should desire to “eat” His Word, by conforming to it and making it part of our lives.
  • Lack of a desire for being with other believers.  Christians need Christians.  We need each other for strength, to help one another, to edify one another.  Hebrews 10:25 instructs us, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” 
  • Lack of a desire to share the Gospel with others.  When we are away from the Lord, we lose that zeal for Him and our concern for the lost people around us.  While we are not all evangelists, we are all instructed to “do the work of an evangelist” in 2 Timothy 4:5.  The lukewarm Christian thinks more about himself than the needs of those around him.

These are just a few examples of the characteristics of one who is lukewarm in his relationship with the Lord.  How do we stop being lukewarm?  We simply start doing the things that are missing in our lives.  Pray more.  Read God’s Word more.  Meet with fellow believers more.  Speak to unbelievers about their need for Christ.

Are you lukewarm or away from the Lord?  Are you concerned that your relationship with the Lord is not as it should be?  Consider the words of David in Psalm 139:23-24, “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”  I suggest you make this your own prayer and allow the Lord to lead you.  (CC)  (690.4)