Focus

Pay attention to the tension in your body. Let go of it and any expectations to do anything other than God’s will today. Prepare yourself to hear God’s word.

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Read

Revelation 3:14-22 (NRSV)

“And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the origin of God’s creation:

“I know your works; you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were either cold or hot. So, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I am about to spit you out of my mouth. For you say, ‘I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing.’ You do not realize that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. Therefore I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire so that you may be rich; and white robes to clothe you and to keep the shame of your nakedness from being seen; and salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see. I reprove and discipline those whom I love. Be earnest, therefore, and repent. Listen! I am standing at the door, knocking; if you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to you and eat with you, and you with me. To the one who conquers I will give a place with me on my throne, just as I myself conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. Let anyone who has an ear listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches.”

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Reflect

Few of us want something that is lukewarm. Remember being called to eat before the food got cold? How recently have you put something in the refrigerator so that it would get or stay cold? Most things are simply not good when they are lukewarm. The same can be said for us as Christians.

Christ was frustrated with the people in the church at Laodicea. They wanted to have a “foot in both worlds,” choosing neither to follow Christ wholeheartedly nor to reject him outright. Because they were sitting on the fence, Christ called them lukewarm.

We are to follow Christ with our whole being. When we do, Christ will refine us, dress us in white robes, and anoint our eyes so that we can see. Christ will also discipline us as needed, urging us to repent when we are lukewarm or complacent. Christ is knocking at the door of our hearts. If we respond to the knock by opening the door he will enter our lives. Christ is knocking on your door. How will you respond?

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Pray

Dear Lord, please help me to open my heart, eyes, and ears to you. Help me to be aware of what is happening in my surroundings and to choose what is right in your eyes. Help me to remember not to be lukewarm and do what is right wholeheartedly. I want to open the door when you knock. Please help me to pay attention and listen for you. Make me aware of your will for my life. Amen.

Go with God.