Everyone has a body temperature and a spiritual temperature, which reflects our closeness to the all-consuming fire of the Lord. Jesus described the end of the age:
“And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.” Matthew 24:11-13
So spiritual coldness reflects a lack of love for God and others. Without love, we have nothing valuable to share with others.
Have you ever met someone who was spiritually cold (i.e. spiritually dead)? I have a friend who is spiritually dead. He believes everyone is going to heaven, one of Satan’s most effective lies. He also teaches Sunday School in a church here in town, leading people astray in the guise of true Christian teaching.
He also has a totally limp handshake. Have you ever shaken the hand of someone with a really limp handshake? It makes me want to wash my hands or chop wood – something real and strong.
Jesus speaks about lukewarm Christians in the church of Laodicea:
“I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot… because you are lukewarm, I will vomit you out of My mouth. Revelation 3:16
Lukewarm Christians value ease and comfort: “Nice sermon today, enjoyed the choir; what’s for lunch?” Lukewarmers have neighbors, friends, and family who ARE HEADED TO THE LAKE OF FIRE FOR ETERNITY, but they just want to be comfortable. But this life always ends, and they will have to answer to the Lord for sitting on the bench in the great battle for souls.
Christians on fire for the Lord are hungry for the Lord, His love, mercy, truth, and PRESENCE in their lives. They spend time with the Lord in the morning, and like Jeremiah, their hearts burn with the desire to share God’s love, truth, and mercy with others. They realize that many people around them are either cold or lukewarm and headed for the Lake of Fire for eternity. So their heart weeps for them, for eternity is a very, very, very long time.
So take your spiritual temperature. Be filled with oil, and light it on fire for the Lord. There is work to be done and He is calling your name.
To God be the glory
Board of Evangelism