Anyone who thinks the bible is boring simply hasn’t read it. For example, Revelation 3:15-19 tells of a group of Christians who made Jesus sick to his stomach. Why were they so repulsive?
They were lukewarm.
“I know you inside and out, and find little to my liking. You’re not cold, you’re not hot–far better to be either cold or hot! You’re stale. You’re stagnant. You make me want to vomit.” Rev 3:15-16 (The Message)
Ever drink any lukewarm milk? Yuck! Milk is best, in my opinion, when it is ice cold. This being said, I know that some people will heat their milk, especially as a late night drink before going to bed. But room temperature milk would turn my stomach…and probably yours. Jesus expects his followers to be either hot or cold. Those who are hot will love him and serve him wholeheartedly; the cold ones, because they know nothing about him, are open to learning. But anyone who is wishy washy about an encounter with the resurrected Christ makes him want to puke.
How about us? Is Jesus the center of our lives or is He somewhere on the periphery? Do we love Jesus more than anything else in this world? Do our lives show it?
They trusted their wealth.
“You brag, ‘I’m rich, I’ve got it made, I need nothing from anyone,’ oblivious that in fact you’re a pitiful, blind beggar, threadbare and homeless.” Rev 3:17
Their wealth wasn’t their downfall, but putting their trust in that wealth was. These guys were so cocky that they thought they needed nothing from anyone. Obviously, they were wrong – in heaven’s eyes they were utterly bankrupt: “pitiful blind beggars, threadbare and homeless.”
How about us? Is our security based on our net worth, our cash flow and our 401k’s? How secure would we be if we lost it all?
BUT…there is hope.
“Here’s what I want you to do: Buy your gold from me, gold that’s been through the refiner’s fire. Then you’ll be rich. Buy your clothes from me, clothes designed in Heaven. You’ve gone around half-naked long enough. And buy medicine for your eyes from me so you can see, really see. The people I love, I call to account–prod and correct and guide so that they’ll live at their best. Up on your feet, then! About face! Run after God!” Rev 3:18-19
Jesus made it clear that he never gave up on these believers. In fact, he loves them so much that he will “prod and correct and guide” them until they change their priorities and place their trust in Him (instead of their wealth).
How about us? Do we ever give up hope? Do we think that we have strayed so far away from God that He gives up on us?
The Good News is that He hasn’t given up on us and He never will — even if our actions make him sick to his stomach.
Readers: Is it easy or not so easy for you to put your trust in God instead of your wealth? Do you think you would be richer toward God if you had fewer material possessions?
Joe,
Checking out Yakezie out as my nephew has just joined. Never heard of the website or the organization. I am not interested so much in the financial aspect but your article did intrest me. I very well could have written the same as they are my feelings completely. The Laodicean message has spurred me on to not be in a lukewarm condition. Your message and feelings on this in a financial platform as this puts your priorities spot on.
Keep up the good work!
Thanks for the encouragement! Although Christian based financial blogs are definitely a minority, there are several great ones out there. Check out:
Christian PF
Bible Money Matters
Money Help For Christians
Faith and Finance
I just read “Not a Fan” . Where Radical deals more with our lifestyle, Not a Fan deals with our heart and motives. Very good reading and ties in with your article.
Thanks for the heads up Carol. I haven’t read “Not a Fan”, but based on your recommendation, I will add it to my “Books to read” list.
I believe in unity and I see only God, everywhere, everything so it’s all about the Godness of the universe for me. God is wealth, God is everything
I also believe God is everywhere. Just curious…do you believe it is possible to know God in a personal way?