Devotional:

Have you ever been to the pool at the beginning of summer when the water is just a little too cold to jump in? It is hot outside and you can’t wait to cool off, but you can’t quite make that commitment to dunk yourself in completely? You stick your toes and legs in slowly, but there is no way you are ready to jump.

This feeling is similar to the way the Church of Laodicea felt about Jesus. The Bible says they were neither “cold nor hot” but “lukewarm” in their relationship with Him. They weren’t ready to fully commit.

The Bible warns about in-name-only Christians. Being a Christian is not just a title; it’s about having a relationship with Jesus. In referring to Christians, Jesus says, “By their fruit you will recognize them” (Matthew 7:16). Our actions, behaviors, and thoughts will be different after than they were before we met Jesus.

Jesus doesn’t require us to be perfect. He knows we could never be! If perfection were possible, we wouldn’t have needed Him to save us.

Jesus knows we will fail. He knows we’ll struggle more in some seasons of life than others (Hebrews 4:15).

However, Jesus didn’t die to give us a label. He died so we could have a relationship. He loves you! He is not lukewarm in His pursuit of you. In this letter to the Church of Laodicea, Jesus says, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock.”

Are you ready to jump in?

Reflect:

• What areas of your life have you yet to fully surrender to Jesus?
• What are some of the ways your thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors have changed since you started following Jesus?
• Is there any area of your spiritual life that might be lukewarm?