Christianity isn’t something you add. It’s an explosion that changes everything you had. Timothy Keller
I really like this combination of words. I have been a Christian for a good couple of years, and have noticed that this seems to be an underlying fight of almost every Christian: fighting the lukewarm. In Revelation 3 you find God’s opinion of those who are and remain lukewarm,
The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God, says this: ‘I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. ‘So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth.
First, I’d like to say how much I like that this version of the Bible (NAS) refers to God as “The Amen;” it just rings triumph and victory and sovereignty in my heart. Anyways… intense. And in a world full of distractions that make every effort to gain your attention and your time and your energy? Fighting lukewarmness can feel like it never ends. And it’s something believers want to be aware of! At least I do. Admittedly, I’ve had seasons of my life where it took weeks to truly realize where my heart’s affections were residing.
Tying this to what Tim Keller remarked, when lovers of Jesus have found themselves living a lukewarm faith it can often be because Christianity has been reduced to another task on a to-do list. Union with Jesus, connecting with His Spirit, meditating on His Word, abiding in His love… they are no longer life-giving things. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. (Colossians 3:3) Jesus is life. Jesus is my life. And I hope and desire that He continually remains an explosion in my life. One that continually transforms me in Christlikeness, and that draws me closer to God the Father.