The devil does not have any issues with casual Christians; in fact, he relishes the presence of casual Christianity in our modern world. This is the type of faith characterized by a superficial commitment, where one attends church on Sunday, leaves their sins at the church door, and casually picks them back up on the way out. It is a sad reality that the devil often knows Scripture better than many of us do. The Bible states in the book of Revelation 3:14, “So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.” The imagery here is powerful and unsettling. Things that are expelled in such a manner are those that cannot be digested or simply do not taste good. So, I must ask myself: what kind of fruit and flavor do I present in my Master’s mouth? Am I a pleasing aroma, or am I something distasteful?
These words come directly from the Messiah Himself, who would prefer that we be either hot or cold. This stark choice illustrates that if we are lukewarm, we are in a worse position than a Satanist, as they at least know where they stand. To Christ, a lukewarm individual is akin to someone who gossips with both sides, seeking to appear virtuous or to gain approval from everyone—living without any real conviction or backbone. And let us be clear: Christ despises such duplicity. He desires authenticity and commitment from His followers, not a half-hearted approach to faith.
The devil is content when we occupy ourselves with trivial matters to the extent that it would be better for us to remain at home rather than attending church while believing we are performing some kind of service to God. He is pleased if we walk through the church doors but remain unchanged within. It is only when we take the things of God seriously that we begin to disrupt the spiritual realm. This transformation is vital; it is not enough to merely attend church. The essence of the church must also reside within us, permeating our thoughts, actions, and words. This internal change will inevitably manifest in our speech and behavior, reflecting a genuine relationship with Christ.
In this context, the agenda of the devil is effectively at work. With a lukewarm Christian, he does not need to allocate any resources, for he knows that, according to the Word of God, a lukewarm Christian is disqualified. Why invest resources in a runner who, even if they reach the finish line, will not receive a prize? The devil is satisfied with your Sunday attendance, as long as it provides you with a feel-good experience devoid of any real conviction or transformation. This is not the kind of relationship that God desires with His people.
Just as we seek to surround ourselves with genuine individuals in our daily lives, the Lord also deeply desires to walk alongside those who possess integrity and authenticity. We often cherish the image of Jesus as the Lamb, a symbol of grace and compassion. However, the Bible also refers to Him as Jesus the Lion—a figure of strength and authority. Are we familiar with the Revelation version of His character, the one who addresses nations as a Judge and issues stern final warnings to the church? This duality of His nature highlights the importance of reverence and accountability in our relationship with Him.
If we aspire to hear the words “Well done, good and faithful servant” from Him, then it is time for us to repent and align our lives with His ways and statutes. It is crucial that we engage in deep self-reflection and introspection. Why do we even attend church? Is it merely to fulfill a social obligation, or do we genuinely seek a deeper connection with our Creator? How do we conduct ourselves after leaving the church gates? What is my relationship with Jesus like outside of those gates when no one is watching? Even if we deceive ourselves, we can never deceive God. He sees our hearts, our intentions, and the true state of our faith.
Ultimately, we are called to be more than just casual observers of our faith. We are invited into a transformative relationship with Christ that impacts every aspect of our lives. Let us strive to be fervent in our devotion, allowing the love and truth of God to take root within us, so that we can reflect His glory in all we do. It is only through this genuine commitment that we can truly fulfill our purpose and be the witnesses He has called us to be.
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