Hey Guys,
Well, this past Sunday’s message sure got a response! I’m talking about the “lukewarm” one. I knew it would, which was why I took time, prayed about it, consulted others, and then went for it. As I said (actually, as God said), lukewarm is not a good state to be in. So, I’m glad for the discussions and even the discomfort if it leads to desire/movement toward God.
From talking with people who were confused or upset, I’ve realized that a lot of the confusion comes from the perception that everybody is in one of the three categories, and if you’re in “lukewarm,” BRCC may not be the place for you. A lot of the confusion is what constitutes “lukewarmness.” We ALL have parts of our lives that are less than 100%—that is a given. The question then becomes not, “Am I perfect (100% in)?” but, “What is my attitude toward being ‘hot’?” If you’re desirous of moving toward God, if you repent (Revelation 3:19), if you ARE moving toward God, YOU ARE NOT LUKEWARM! No, you’re not where God wants you to be yet, and you’re not where you want to be yet, but the determining factor is your attitude, your trajectory, your heart. It’s not where you are on the scale; it’s your movement—toward heat or toward cold.
So, those are the questions each person has to ask himself/herself. Do I want to move closer to God? What is the desire of my heart?
And your response tells you a lot about your heart. For many of you, Sunday had the desired effect—a renewed focus and motivation to get “hotter.” For some, it angered you. Why? If it’s because you heard me saying, “If you aren’t perfect, hit the road,” that’s not what I intended and I apologize for the misunderstanding. If you were confused, I hope this helps and I encourage you to talk to me or one of the leaders. If you’re mad because you’re satisfied with where you are and don’t intend to get any “hotter,” you probably heard me right. Wherever you are, God wants you “hotter” and I/we are committed to doing everything we can to help you get there.
Love ya,
Woody
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3 comments:
Thank you for clearing that up for me because in all I am walking closer to God every minute of the day. I was not sure if I was sure.
Amazing Job on this one Woody!
Keeps me on my toes!
The lukewarm thing is tough. I remember listening to a song by guardian that talked about church being a hobby and that church attendance for some being the equivalent of buying fire insurance. In my younger years I would listen to that song and think of names of those that I believed fit that criteria. As I matured a bit the Holy Spirit revealed my name to me and I have been very aware of my own tendency to be lukewarm from time to time. If we're talking about lukewarm water I really understand the problem as Jesus sees it. For those who have been out in the cold, lukewarm feels really good... so good in fact that they may never leave. Foe those who have been close to the hot, all consuming fire of God, lukewarm represents a chance to cool down and regain some of "self". Either way lukewarm is exactly where we must not be and yet it becomes so tempting...
So today I surrender myself to Jesus... except for the areas I'm still working through. The power struggle continues on and the only way I can win is to lose... sadly the words of Rich Mullins come to mind as I close this thought...
I'd rather fight you for something I want than to take what you've given and I need...
Thank you for your thoughts
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