Is It Time to Check Your Temperature?
I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm – neither hot nor cold- I am about to spit you out of my mouth.
Revelation 3: 15-16 (NIV)
It has been said ad nauseam from one well-meaning Christian to another, “God doesn’t give you more than you can handle.”
I’m sorry to be the one to break the news; however, it’s simply not true, nor is it biblically correct. Jesus does tell us, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33.
When trials and tribulations come your way, do you feel like a Christian wearing the full armor of God or a lukewarm Christian unprepared for the battle?
All it takes is five minutes on social media or watching TV, and you can see the spiritual battle unfolding.
There have been two specific times in my life that I have overwhelmingly felt a spiritual battle waging. Both times, Satan tried desperately to take hold of my husband and oldest son.
(Talk about getting pulled in two separate directions.)
I simply would not allow it. I put on the full armor of God and battled with the only weapon I had – prayer. As the battle raged on, I came to realize that my prayers could only take them to the front lines. At some point, they needed to put on their armor and join me in battle.
The Battle Belongs to the Lord
Paul tells us in Ephesians 6:12 that our battle is not against flesh and blood but against the spiritual forces of evil.
Imagine being an army commander preparing for battle against an unseen, unpredictable enemy. As commander, it is your job to assemble an elite team of soldiers ready for battle. Will you choose the soldiers who graduated from the top of the class, gave 110% to every challenge that came their way, and willingly committed their lives to save others? Or will you choose the soldiers who barely made it to graduation, gave 50% effort in tough challenges, and have yet to sign on the dotted line?
So, because you are lukewarm – neither hot nor cold – I am about to spit you out of my mouth.
Revelation 3:16
The question is not whether the lukewarm Christian is saved. Only God truly knows one’s heart. The question that remains is whether they can stand firm against the enemy in battle.
What happens when the flaming arrow of the evil one comes straight toward them?
Will they even see it?
Lukewarm Christian, it’s time to stop looking through the closet and choose an outfit. What does God want us to wear for battle?
The Armor of God
Ephesians 6:13-17 serves as our guide.
The Belt of Truth
I would pick a good, sturdy leather belt. Ask God to show you any times you may have been dishonest. Then strap that belt on tight.
The Breastplate of Righteousness
The breastplate is essential. I would choose Kevlar. While putting it on over your heart, ask yourself if you are accepting of Jesus’s grace to become more like Him.
The Shoes of the Gospel
I would suggest a good, sturdy, comfortable pair of boots. With the right boots, you can be ready with the power of the gospel. Are you living by the gospel and sharing it with others?
The Shield of Faith
I don’t know much about fashion when it comes to shields. But I would suggest one with an easy-grip handle. The battle will be intense. Your shield is not something you want to drop. Does your faith show that you believe in the power of God?
The Helmet of Salvation
Salvation is a beautiful gift from our Father. But unless you wear the helmet, you can’t receive His gift. Without the helmet, there is no hope of winning the battle. Pick your favorite color and secure the strap. Have you received His gift of Salvation?
The Sword of the Spirit
When you choose your sword, make sure it has been sharpened and fits perfectly in your hand. The blade should be polished to a high sheen. God’s Word is the Sword of the Spirit and the weapon with which we defeat the enemy and extinguish the flames. Are you reading and praying through God’s Word?
The Struggle is Real
We have all felt we were at a lukewarm temperature at some point in our Christian walk.
Perhaps, you are a young mom with several young children or a caregiver to aging parents, and haven’t had any time to yourself lately. Possibly, you have said yes to one too many ministry commitments. Regardless of the season, it’s always a good idea to take an inventory of your closet.
When we are wearing our best outfit, the enemy has a harder time finding us in battle.
Sister, if you need some extra support, ask another sister in Christ to walk alongside you. We are all in this battle together. There is no need to fight alone.
I have heard the urgent flapping of angels’ wings as they have battled the powers of darkness. I have felt the intense heat of the evil one’s flaming arrow as it whizzed past, narrowly missing.
Think About It…
Are you dressed for battle, or are you still standing in front of the closet?
For the struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Ephesians 6:12
Have You Heard About This?
She Prays Like A Girl
One of the biggest lies we’ve been led to believe is that there’s some mysterious “right” way to pray. That, unless you’re doing it exactly like someone else, you’re doing it wrong. The consequence of that lie, is that many women believe prayer is boring and doesn’t make a whole lot of difference. Nothing could be further from the truth. Pick up your copy of Jaime and Alana’s book to learn how to embrace your individuality and pray like a girl.
