Lukewarmness starts with individuals just like you and me.

Jesus speaking to the churches in Revelation: “And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, ‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.’” Revelation 3:1416 NKJV.

Not a very pretty picture Jesus gives us of being vomited out of his mouth. I believe this is what is happening in America today, in Missouri and every small town around such as Cassville.

Sunday evening, a very good friend of mine brought the message at church, and he spoke about being lukewarm with very much passion and concern at times as he was teaching with tears in his eyes because this is a very real problem. Today, I hear so many people saying, “As long as I make it into heaven, it doesn’t matter what I do or they will say I know I’m just gonna slip in. but that’s OK.”

I want everyone to be clear you will not slip into heaven or slide in the back door. You will either walk into heaven announced as a child of God loved by the Savior or you will not enter Heaven — it’s something we all need to look at eternity is forever.

Being lukewarm literally makes Jesus sick with us, and the next thing is when we’re lukewarm, it not only ruins us but others around us. Today, we may call being lukewarm riding the fence, play in the field or leaving every option open. As my friend was teaching last night, I begin to think about the highway and the middle line.

Have you ever met someone driving right down the middle line? You only got two options, hit them, or go in the ditch. Christians, when we’re lukewarm and just walking down the middle line, push others in the ditch of life and cause wrecks all around us.

Christians, we are called commanded even to live a life that represents Jesus and all he has done for us. Please don’t think today you can live any way you want and it’ll be OK. God is very clear we will answer for how we have lived this life He has given us.

Here are just a few scriptures God has given to show us how to live.

“I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live;” Deuteronomy 30:19.

“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.” Galatians 6:7-8.

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.” II Corinthians 5:10.

“Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.” James 4:17.

Being lukewarm is no little thing. It shows God and everyone around you that there are more important things than Jesus to you.

I would say please, Christian take a look at your life and examine yourself because the way you live affects you greatly and also affects all those around you.

Are you drawing people to Jesus? Or, are you pushing them into the ditch of life where the wreck will happen?

Donnie Spears is the pastor at Corinth Baptist Church near Cassville. He may be reached at 417-847-4165.