There are few more frustrating responses to a question than “I don’t care” or a shrug. And yet, we’ve all fallen into the “meh” trap at times where we feel emotionally detached and unmotivated. While it’s unrealistic for anyone to have strong feelings and opinions about everything in life, we should be on the lookout for evidence of “lukewarmness” creeping into our own lives and, most importantly, our souls.

Revelation, chp. 3, has a dramatic and graphic description of the fate of those who succumb to becoming lukewarm: “I know your works; I know that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either cold or hot. So, because you are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.” Not terribly appealing, but also deeply challenging. In our walk as disciples of Jesus, we need to be vigilant to avoid shrugging at the Gospel – responding “I don’t care” to his commands, and generally allowing for a “meh” attitude to the things of God. As I’ve reflected on this in my own life, I’ve discovered five possible indicators that spiritual lukewarmness has taken root.

1 Your identity is based on the things of earth instead of God’s voice. Are you defined by your money, status, accomplishments or what others think of you, or who God says you are? When our identity wavers, our commitment to the Lord will too.

2 You are comfortable with “little” sins and seemingly insignificant acts of disobedience. Do you say to yourself, “Well, this isn’t really that bad and definitely not as bad as the people I hear about on the news?”

3 You minimize important things and emphasize superficial things. The core of the faith has become boring but the fringe stuff has become very exciting and all-consuming.

4 You see Jesus as your boss who tells you what to do and evaluates your performance but not as your loving friend. Yes, we owe Jesus obedience, not out of servile fear but abiding love.

5 You have an unhealthy fear of suffering and an undue attachment to comfort. Lukewarmness loves safety and security. Radical discipleship embraces God’s plan even when it’s difficult and requires risk.

If your faith right now has fallen into the “meh” category, take a moment to repent and ask the Holy Spirit to reignite your love for the Lord. Living a lukewarm faith is boring, unfulfilling and definitely not what Jesus has in mind for us. So, the next time Jesus offers you more of his love, please don’t shrug! 
 

"Living a lukewarm faith is definitely not what Jesus has in mind for us.”