Avoiding Relational Lukewarmness

“‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.”

Revelation 3:15-16

I don’t know about you, but I’m a guy who likes his “hot food” to be hot, and his “cold food” to be cold. For instance, I prefer my coffee to be about one degree from where it will burn my tongue, and I like my milk so cold that I will chill a glass in the freezer for a few minutes before filling it up. What I don’t like is room temperature coffee or milk. But then, who does?

Since yesterday was Father’s Day, it might be helpful for those of us out there who have interactions with kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews and even neighbors, to think a little about how we can continually take steps to be hot and/or cold, which is to say, to be a useful blessing from God in the lives of those with whom we interact. Here are a few that I submit for your consideration.

For any of us to be a useful presence in someone’s life, we might want to prayerfully consider how much we listen when we are around? How do we do with asking questions? With asking clarifying questions? With simply trying to understand? With sometimes keeping our opinions and advice to ourselves? (Proverbs 20:5)

Second, we might want to prayerfully consider how faithful and dependable we are? Do we keep our promises (to the best of our ability)? Are we someone our kids can count on? Someone they can rely on? Call in a pinch? That kind of thing. (Matthew 5:37)

Third, we might want to prayerfully consider whether we come across as judgmental? Would our kids say they feel safe telling us just about anything? (Ephesians 4:2)

Fourth, do we make an effort to spend time with them? I am reminded of some advice I once received – quality time always grows out of quantity time. Sometimes it takes awhile to build that relational equity, but once it’s there, good conversations can happen. (Ecclesiastes 11:6)

Well, I am sure you have your own thoughts on avoiding lukewarmness in your closest relationships. Thanks for reading mine.

To God be the glory,

Scott Smith
Care Pastor