Dangers of Being Neither Hot or Cold | Previous Challenge Entry

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TITLE: Dangers of Being Neither Hot or Cold | Previous Challenge Entry
By Edmond Ng
04/11/09
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I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth. (Revelation 3:15-16 NAS)All of us can be hot or cold, but never hot and cold, unless we are talking about our attitudes toward different people or toward someone at a different time. As beings made a little lower than angels (Hebrews 2:6-7), we can sometimes like a person for a moment and dislike the same person at other times. We can hate someone, but like everyone else. Our feelings and attitudes toward different people can be dangerously unhealthy, and this is not the way we should be. It is important for us to know how to relate to people no matter how bad or unlovable they may be, because Jesus taught us in His word to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:31). We are all God's creation and we ought to love one another just as God loves each of us.

In the Book of Revelation, the author in his letter to the church at Laodicea wrote about the dangers of being lukewarm, neither hot nor cold (Revelation 3:15-16). Although the church of Laodicea was not entirely cold to the point of having no spiritual life, it was alive, yet not lively or wholly dedicated to the Lord with unreserved affection and love. No doubt, there must have been some who loved the Lord, but there were, as a whole, much lack in fervency. The church of Laodicea was therefore reprimanded for not being hot in their love for God because they were not ardent, fervent or flaming; neither were they entirely cold because there were still some efforts, though half hearted, and lacking zeal for the truths of the Gospel and of its ordinances.

Being neither hot nor cold is a dangerous attitude because in knowing God and yet not giving our all to Him, God can choose to spit us out of His mouth! We must all therefore regularly check our attitudes toward God and our fellow men, to ensure we are not presumptuous or possessing preconceived prejudices when relating with people. We must be imitators of God as His beloved children, love each and everyone without reserve, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us all (Ephesians 5:1-2).

Help us O Lord to become more and more like You each day. Mold us dear Lord to bear the fruit of Your Holy Spirit, to be more sensitive in our dealings with people who may not be as likeable as we hope them to be. Take us as we are Lord, and change our attitudes toward those whom we may find difficult to love or deal with. Cause us Lord to remember to check our attitudes from time to time to ensure we are not lukewarm, neither cold nor hot. Keep us fervent in spirit, Lord, to love You with all our hearts, strength, mind and soul.

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