Monday, September 21, 2009

Are we giving God indigestion?

On Webster's webpage The Word of the Day for September 21, 2009 is:

Laodicean • \lay-ah-duh-SEE-un\ • adjective

: lukewarm or indifferent in religion or politics

Example Sentence:

Evan lamented the Laodicean attitude of his fellow citizens, as evidenced by the low voter turnout on Election Day.

Did you know?

English speakers owe the word "Laodicean" to Chapter 3, verses 15 and 16 of the Book of Revelation, in which the church of Laodicea is admonished for being "neither cold nor hot, . . . neither one nor the other, but just lukewarm" in its devotion. By 1633, the name of that tepid biblical church had become a general term for any half-hearted or irresolute follower of a religious faith. Since then, the word’s use has broadened to cover flimsy political devotion as well. For example, in comparing U.S. presidents, journalist Samuel Hopkins Adams compared "the fiery and aggressive [Theodore] Roosevelt" to "the timorous Laodicean [Warren] Harding."


I don't know about you, but I'm probably guilty of not being as passionate about my Lord, His church and our world, as I should be. But I don't want to be "laodicean"; I don't want to be lukewarm. The bible says God will spit you out of His mouth if you are lukewarm. In other words, laodiceans are distasteful to Him; half-hearted; have lack of devotion or are too politically correct to be of much benefit to anyone. Have you left a bad taste in God's mouth or caused Him to want to take a heavenly Tums? There have been times when I probably have.

Lord, please give me the courage to be all that you want me to be for your kingdom and your glory. Please convict me when I am becoming complacent or laodicean. Please help me to be a good and faithful servant for you and to others. Ignite my passion, Lord, so I can share the good news of a wonderful God to a world that needs to know You. I can't be lukewarm to do that effectively so help me to always be bold when led by you and to have the courage to be resolute in my devotion to You and to things and people that matter to You. AMEN!