I heard my human say the other day, “Blehhh… This coffee’s is lukewarm.”
Now, I don’t know much about coffee.
I sniffed it once and sneezed so hard I nearly backed out of my collar.
But I do know this… when something’s lukewarm, humans wrinkle their noses like they just stepped barefoot in something unpleasant.
That got me thinking.
My human was reading aloud from Revelation where Jesus said, “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.”
- Revelation 3:15-16 NIV
Well now, that sounds serious enough to make even an old dog stop scratching and pay attention.
Jesus said He’d rather us be hot or cold than lukewarm.
Strong words.
But I think I understand.
A fire that barely burns won’t warm anybody.
A flashlight with dying batteries won’t light the trail.
And a Christian just “going through the motions” won’t point anyone to Jesus.
And you see, dogs don’t really do “lukewarm.”
When I chase a ball, I chase it with everything I’ve got.
When supper rattles in my bowl, I come running like it’s the greatest event since Noah unloaded the ark.
And when my human comes home, I don’t greet him halfway.
I meet him at the door with a wagging tail, dancing paws, and enough excitement to embarrass anyone watching.
But humans… well, sometimes they try serving Jesus with one foot in the world and one foot in the Word.
They sing about Jesus on Sunday, then growl at traffic on Monday.
They pray over supper but forget the hungry neighbor next door.
They talk about changing the world while barely opening their Bible.
It’s like watching somebody halfway throw a tennis ball and expecting the dog to stay excited.
And I notice how easy it is for humans to get fired up over football, fishing, work success, sales at the hardware store, or a hot plate of barbecue… but somehow grow quiet when it comes to prayer, worship, or sharing Jesus.
Yet Jesus wants us “All In.”
Now don’t get me wrong.
I’ve seen my human stumble.
I’ve watched him have days where the fire burned low.
But I’ve also watched him open that old beat up Bible even when he’s tired…
Pray even when he was worried and didn’t know what to say…
And keep putting one foot in front of the other for Jesus.
That’s the thing about walking with the Lord
It’s day by day
Step by step
Moment by moment
A fire doesn’t stay hot by accident.
Somebody’s got to keep feeding it.
Same goes for our faith.
Spend time with Jesus
Stay in His Word
Worship when you feel like it and when you don’t
Love people
Forgive quickly
Serve gladly
And when the world tries cooling your heart down, scoot a little closer to the Fire.
Because cold religion won’t change anybody… and lukewarm faith leaves a bitter taste.
But a life burning bright for Christ?
That’ll warm the whole house.
Keep the Faith… Carpe Diem
