Lukewarm might not mean what you think it does!

I have for many years heard the term 'lukewarm' as referring to any form of possible backsliding, half in the world, half in the church or generally just being half hearted. However, this is not strictly what the term really refers to based on the critique Jesus gives of the church in Laodicea in Revelation 3:14-22.

So often, when we engage with scripture, things can be so readily accepted without personal study. This is one of those times. I have never heard someone talk of the specifics of what I am writing now, yet, as I look at the text it seems so clear. There is no need for strange cultural references, or playing about with the text.

Those of you who quote this will be familiar with the idea of the church being neither hot nor cold but lukewarm, with the dramatic image of Jesus being so disgusted with them, that he will spit them out of his mouth, as you would with lukewarm water when you want or expect hot or cold. And I can relate, I really dislike lukewarm tea.

The understanding of lukewarm has then been largely based on this idea of not being enough of one or the other which led to the understanding of this phrase 'lukewarm' as simply meaning any half heartedness or people who have one foot in the church and one in the world. Very often people associated being 'hot' with being passionate and cold has been mistakenly understood to be non believing people.

However, we so often make the mistake of understanding scripture based on an interpretation of a verse and leaving it as that. How many people I wonder who talk about this idea of being lukewarm and perhaps refer to revelation, yet hardly ever refer to how this idea is unpacked in the verses. Why is this church Lukewarm? what makes them lukewarm? Do you know? Have you looked? See verse 18a. Here the speaker unpacks the specifics. 'You say "I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing' (NIV1984). Hold on! This then would indicate that the basis or reason for them being lukewarm was more to do with their attitude and response to their wealth.

These people were not lukewarm because they had one foot in the world, or were simply half hearted (these issues are in fact addressed in the other churches), although they may well have been. But their real problem was an over dependence on their wealth. They boasted in wealth, relied on wealth, depended on wealth. It is this that made them a lukewarm church. This is tipped on its head in typical Biblical fashion, by then being told they were poor, blind and naked. They thought they needed nothing, when they in fact needed everything.

This means that the idea of of calling a Christian lukewarm because they seem a bit more caught up in worldliness is a misuse of the idea presented in Revelation. In fact, a person who appears to 'behave' very well in the church, or a church as a whole, but who relies on wealth more than they would like to admit is more likely to be lukewarm than someone who struggles to let go of worldliness. In fact, they could even be someone who seems to be doing well in the church, or a whole church doing well. They may follow biblical ethics and practice to the letter and still be lukewarm. Because in their hearts, they are really relying on and trusting in their wealth and judge whether they are doing well or not spiritually, because of how they are doing materially.

To be empowered we need to be more careful how we engage with scripture, and especially in how we use biblical ideas in day to day life. If you as an individual or your church is wealthy, check yourself. How dependent are you on that wealth? How much do you judge your spiritual growth or progress or success on wealth? The Laodician church is very much a warning to us, firstly, in general in wealthier countries where it can be very normal to have more. Do we rely on wealth? Focus on wealth? Judge success by wealth? Then we need to listen. Buy gold from God, refined, white clothes, and salve. This is to be spiritually rich, spiritually clothed and spiritually able to see. But also, it stands in clear opposition to the prosperity gospel and anyone preaching it needs to heed this warning.

When we are not careful with God's word, we lose meaning from it. The empowerment it was meant to bring us, is lost, or weakened. Let the idea of being Lukewarm challenge our attitude to wealth, and may we learn to engage with scripture more carefully so as not to miss its value and importance for our lives.