Hot or Lukewarm?
My four-year-old buddy, Ethan, has discovered the joy of chewing gum, and now begs anyone he sees for a piece of gum. Recently, someone gave him a stick of cinnamon-flavored gum. Others warned him that it might be too hot for him. He placed half a stick in his mouth. I n seconds, his eyes watered and he waved his hand in front of his mouth. All of a sudden he screamed for the gum wrapper and just as if his tongue was on fire, he spit the gum out. He said he wanted to give it time to "cool down" a bit before chewing it. I guess he confused spicy hot and warm hot! His mom was always telling him to blow on his soup if it was too hot, so he figured it would work for spicy hot gum!
In Revelation 3:15-16, the Bible talks about God spitting out a church for being lukewarm. Lukewarm water is virtually worthless. In Laodicea, the hot waters of Hierapolis were known for their medicinal qualities and the cool waters of Colossae were known for its cold, pure water. Interestingly, by the time the water from the aqueduct arrived in Laodicea, it was lukewarm and provoked nausea. It makes sense that this illustration is given because God found the Laodicean church to be worthless because of their lack of genuine faith.
Ethan spit his gum out because it was spicy hot. But God savors us when we are “hot” for Him! Do we possess a genuine faith that pleases God? Not just a belief of God, but a belief in God. Do we have an intimate relationship with God that is as real as our relationship with a loved one? God desires to walk with us and talk with us. I've heard it said, though, that God is a gentleman. He will never force a relationship on anyone. But He is there, gently knocking. Will you walk with Him today?
PRAYER: Help my walk with You today line up with Your desires for my life. May You find me effective for Your use.
“For we are unto God a sweet savor of Christ,” 2 Corinthians 2:15a KJV.
Today’s devotion is by Kathy Carlton Willis, wife to Russ, pastor’s wife to many, business owner, author, editor, publicist and speaker. Kathy Carlton Willis Communications encompasses her many passions. Learn more at: http://kcwcomm.blogspot.com/ or http://www.kathycarltonwillis.com/
