“I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth!” – Revelation 3:15-16
When God disciplines us, He is getting our attention. Though it might be painful in the moment, it is good for us in the long run because we will grow and learn from the painful experiences of discipline.
Just like our parents used to discipline us, not to be mean, but to teach us lessons, that is exactly the framework our Heavenly Father uses. It might not be through physical pain like a spanking, but it will be something that gets our attention.
What God is doing is taking away our indifference. Indifference is a natural response for sinful people. You don’t have to work to develop indifference. Indifference is when you really aren’t interested; it is when you aren’t really concerned. You might do something wrong, and it doesn’t bother you.
When you do something that isn’t the will of God, and you think nothing about it, and it doesn’t bother you, that is when God will get your attention by disciplining you. He is trying to remove that indifference.
Revelation 3:15-16 gives us God’s view of indifference. It says, “I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth!”
See, God is not interested in “lukewarm” or “indifferent” Christians. He is not looking for people to follow Him who are half in and half out. He doesn’t want you to be careless or unconcerned with what is happening. God wants those who are on fire for Him and have a strong desire to live out His will.
Do you wonder why God has to discipline you? Because He has to remove the indifference. Do not be lukewarm or indifferent to the things of God. If you have lost your passion or desire to pursue God, pray to Him. Ask Him to restore that fire you once had. He will give it to you.
It’s time to turn up the heat for God! If you are going to get up and follow God, you have to leave indifference at the door.