Get Off the Bench: Leaving Lukewarm Christianity Behind
- meetgodattheedgeof
- Jul 6
- 3 min read
Revelation 3:15-16
[15] “I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! [16] But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth!
I have been blessed to attend many churches in our area. For a season, the Lord led my family and me from church to church to open our eyes. Coming and going was part of His plan, and obedience was required even when we didn't fully understand why.
Back then, we struggled to find what I would consider a complete church: Holy Spirit-led, God- and Bible-centered, financially dependent on the Lord, making Spirit-led decisions, leadership that truly leads in a godly manner, strong men's and women's ministries, a thriving children's ministry, and opportunities to serve. Honestly, I could have lived without much of that first list if the church had the last three things: Spirit-led sermons, genuine fellowship, and prayer. Encountering the Holy Spirit and feeling His conviction is so rare and precious that, out of all the churches we visited, we found only two where that was consistently present.
The church we attend now is on fire for the Lord. The sermons are like the fire of God's Word, exposing, refining, and convicting. It is refreshing! It's almost impossible to describe. Every message leaves you standing at a fork in the road with a decision to make: Will I follow the Lord, or will I continue living in comfort? That is the opposite of lukewarm Christianity, and it challenges us every single week.
What the Lord revealed to me is that this fire is meant to cleanse us and remove our impurities. People will leave because, as our pastor says, "Freedom is uncomfortable." The sins and compromises we have grown comfortable with are brought to the surface so God can remove them. It feels strange. It hurts. It is uncomfortable. But through that process we begin to experience the true freedom that only God can give. As I've said many times before, comfort is one of the enemy's greatest strategies. The world constantly offers easier paths, greater convenience, and less sacrifice, while God calls us away from lukewarm Christianity and into wholehearted obedience.
As we see in these verses, the Lord is not interested in us sitting on the sidelines. There are no benches in the life of a follower of Christ. We are all called to play our position faithfully. If you remain still while everyone around you is moving forward in obedience, eventually you will become uncomfortable because you were never created to stay on the bench. The Lord wants you out on the field alongside the rest of His people, all pursuing His glory together.
Having brothers and sisters who passionately desire to know the Lord more is crucial. Every prayer gathering and every worship night is powerful because people are not showing up just to see friends. They are coming to encounter the Holy Spirit and worship the living God. Seeing friends is simply an added blessing.
You are an MVP in God's Kingdom, and no one else can fulfill the position He has assigned to you.
Get off the bench.
Thank You, Father, for one more day. Amen.
Revelation 3:17-20
[17] You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’ And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. [18] So I advise you to buy gold from me—gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see. [19] I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference. [20] “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.
