What We Can Learn from a Lukewarm Church
Introduction: Why Laodicea Matters
When people talk about a church being “lukewarm,” they’re usually referring to Laodicea. The Bible, in the book of Revelation, points out this ancient church for having a faith that’s not fully committed—not really passionate (hot), but not totally indifferent (cold) either. But what does that mean for us, and why should we care? Let’s break it down in everyday language.
A Rich City with Lousy Water
Laodicea was a prosperous city in what’s now Turkey. Back in Roman times, it had lots of banks, stores, and even a well-known medical school. Archaeologists have found big theaters and bathhouses that show how wealthy it was. But the city had one big flaw: its water. Since the water had to be brought in from far away, it was always lukewarm—not hot, not cold. It wasn’t refreshing and didn’t help much with healing. This “blah” water ended up representing the church’s attitude—just kind of in the middle, not really committed.
The Bible’s Message: Lukewarm Faith and False Security
In Revelation 3:14-22, Jesus tells the church in Laodicea that He’s not happy with their attitude. He says, “You’re neither hot nor cold—just lukewarm—and I’m about to spit you out.” The problem wasn’t that they were doing terrible things; it was that they stopped caring deeply. They thought they had everything: money, nice clothes, and medicine. But Jesus tells them that, spiritually, they’re actually “poor, blind, and naked.” Their wealth made them feel like they didn’t need God, but they were missing the most important thing—a real connection with Him.
How Jesus Says to Fix Things
Jesus doesn’t just point out their problems; He offers a solution. He tells them to look for true wealth, like strong faith (“gold refined in fire”), a good character (“white clothes”), and wisdom (“eye salve”). He describes Himself as gently knocking on their door, waiting for them to let Him in. The choice is theirs—Jesus wants a personal relationship, not just empty words.
What’s the Lesson for Us?
Laodicea’s story warns us about getting too comfortable and forgetting what matters most. Having lots of stuff might make us feel safe, but it doesn’t mean we’re healthy on the inside. The main lesson is: it’s better to rely on God than to trust only in ourselves or our possessions. We should check ourselves to make sure our faith is alive and active, not just something we talk about.
Connecting to Today’s World
Looking back at what Revelation 3:14-19 says, it’s clear that being “lukewarm”—not really caring either way—leads to trouble. The people in Laodicea thought they had everything, but they were actually missing what mattered. The message is to look for real value in things like strong character, purity, and a clear sense of purpose. Honest self-reflection and a willingness to change are important, even when things seem fine. It’s a reminder that getting too comfortable can make us lose sight of what’s important. In today’s world, with so many distractions and uncertainty, the advice is simple: recognize our need for help, accept correction, and try to live with real purpose and humility.
Minister A Francine Green
October 2025
afrancinegreen.com 