Evangelical pastors have used this verse at the end of their sermons for years to convince unbelievers to accept Jesus Christ into their lives.  But that is actually a misinterpretation of this verse.  This verse is not directed toward unbelievers, instead it is addressed to Christians who are living with a lukewarm faith.  They identify as a Christian, but are not living a life devoted toward God.  They tend to get blown around with the current movements of the day.  Whereas a devoted Christian will recognize and understand the beliefs that depart from Biblical Christianity.

In this section of Revelation, the church in Laodicea is being addressed.  The city is well known for having a dislike for their water supply.  Laodicea did not have direct access to the cold water of the mountains.  Nor did they have access to the hot water found in the nearby springs in Hierapolis which was just to their north. The water was piped in from the south and by the time it reached the city it had become lukewarm and had a bad taste.  The church in Laodicea believed that they were self-sufficient and did not have any problems. This verse makes it clear that while they were living a comfortable life and identified as a follower of Christ, they were not in fellowship with God.

How well do you accept criticism?  It is not easy accepting correction when, in your mind, everything is good.  While many in our country live a comfortable lifestyle, it can also lead to spiritual poverty.  So how are we to respond to the accusation of being lukewarm?  Honestly ask yourself if you are including Jesus in all areas of your life.  Are you able to discern God’s truth from the different beliefs of your culture? Inviting a person into their house to join them for a meal, was the most basic expectation in ancient days.  It was a strong rebuke for these believers to be told that they were not following the most basic expectation of faith. Are you only identifying as a Christian, or are you living a life that pleases God?  That is a question that all Christians need to ask as they live out their faith!

Read Revelation 3:14-22