Revelations 3:15-16 is crystal clear: “I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would you were cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of my mouth.”
How many times have you been put in a situation you thought you could handle, only to find out you were ill equipped and ill-prepared? How many times has this happened in your faith life?
We half-heartedly go through the motions— we might do a good deed here and there— with no real satisfaction or joy, because deep down, we know something crucial is missing. That fire that should be burning bright, that substance of a truly transformed life in Christ? It just isn’t burning. In fact, there may only be an ember of a faith-life barely hanging on.
“Without love; deeds, even the most brilliant, count as nothing.” ~ St. Therese of Lisieux
God wants our all-in, wholehearted devotion, not our leftovers, tired excuses, or half-hearted attempts at holiness. He wants us to be on fire for Him, filled with His Holy Spirit, radiating His love, and living a life that makes people stop and say, “Now there is something different about them, I want what they have… I need that in my life.”
So, is God bored with your faith? Did it sting a little to hear these words? Good! You need to be honest with yourself, and take a good, hard look in the mirror. How many of us would say that we are living lives that truly reflect God. The God whose image and likeness we were created. The One who split seas, who made the blind see, who walked on water and raised the dead. Are we so caught up in the rubrics of religion, the comfort of a lukewarm faith, that we have forgotten what it truly means to be ALIVE in Christ?
So… how do we break these chains of spiritual mediocrity?
How do we get from lukewarm to being on fire?
The answer: knowing the difference between believing in God and obeying Him.
The Challenge
1) Discipline Your Morning
No more snooze button. Get rid of it, turn it off. In fact, get up 30 minutes earlier than normal and spend that time in the quiet. Thank God for giving you the opportunity to come before Him. Those precious minutes before your day kicks off belong to Him, as does everything. This is what giving God your “first fruits” looks like. If you want to have a relationship with God, like any other relationship, it requires communication, otherwise, the relationship will fail.
The world is going to knock you to your knees; so, you might as well start there. Jumpstart your spirit before the world starts demanding your attention.
“The prayer of the humble pierces the clouds.” (Sirach 35:21)
2) Spiritual Fitness
We can be especially picky when it comes to what we put into our bodies; low carb this, fat free that, vitamins, gym time, etc. But what are we doing to nourish our souls?
If you can put all that energy into all the afore mentioned, can you imagine what your spiritual life would look like if you put all that energy into focusing on God? Start by putting down your phones and turning off the TV. Nourish yourself with the Word of God. Dust off your bible and commit yourself to reading it… and stick to it. Your spirit will thank you.
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God…” (Romans 12:2)
3. Spiritual Warfare, Prepare Yourself For It!
Pause here. Go get that bible and read Ephesians 6:10-20. Sit and meditate on what you just read.
We are in the midst of a battle, and prayer is our most powerful weapon. For you Catholics out there, praying the Rosary is a must. It should never be something we go to as a last resort. Meditative prayer is essential for a well-rounded prayer life.
Carve out time in your day for prayer, just like you would a workout – minimum 15 minutes. Set an alarm to remind you to pray throughout the day.
“His Divine power has given us everything needed for life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness.” (1 Peter 1:3)
4. Like-Minded, Faith-Filled Friends
Surround yourself with friends who would tear a hole in the roof, lift you up, and carry you down to the feet of Jesus. (Matthew 2:3-4) Surrounding yourself with the right people is critical. The right people will challenge you to grow, hold you accountable as well as celebrate your victories. Attend conferences with programs that will push you to become more like Christ.
“Faithful friends are a sturdy shelter… beyond price… life-saving medicine.” (Sirach 6:14-16)
5. Just Say NO!
You are inundated with so many distractions throughout the day. You know which things I speak of. The ones battling for your time, fighting for your attention. Hone in on what is stealing your focus from God. Make a list, and fast from them. “Say NO!” to those things as you begin to create space for God to move in your life.
“Lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely…[and] run with perseverance the race…” (Hebrews 12:1)
6. Discomfort… Challenge Accepted
Stepping out of your comfort zones, as difficult as it can be, is where real spiritual growth takes place. Don’t turn your back on challenges. Volunteer your time, share your faith, be the hands and feet of Jesus to those in need. Remember, you just might be the only experience of Jesus people will ever see.
“Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.” (Matthew 25:40)
7. Make a Solid Investment in You
Spiritual growth requires investment. Know what you want and find the Way to get there. Go back to the beginning. Read what the early Church Fathers wrote about spiritual growth: Ambrose, Augustine of Hippo, Jerome, Gregory the Great, Athanasius, John Chrysostom, Basil the Great, Gregory of Nazianzus, just to name a few. Their writings will help you understand what Jesus left us and where God is calling you to be. Listen to solid, faith-building podcasts. Never stop learning and growing in your understanding of God.
“For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” (Proverbs 2:6)
8. You are Here
It is so easy to lose sight of how far you have come. It is good to document your spiritual journey. Write down what God is teaching you, the prayers He is answering (even if “no’ is His answer), the ways in which you are growing. Looking back will remind you of God’s faithfulness. He will strengthen your desire to keep on keeping on.
“For you need endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised.” (Hebrews 10:36)
9. Recognize Your Victories
Thank God for them and let them fuel your fire. Never downplay them, no matter how small they may seem. Acknowledging them is acknowledging God’s work in and through you.
“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57)
10. Keep the Conversion Going
Once you have experienced the life-changing power of a truly vibrant faith, don’t keep it to yourself! Be bold in sharing your story and inviting others to experience the same joy, purpose, and freedom that comes from knowing and following Jesus Christ.
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)
This challenge is not for the weak nor the faint of heart. It takes guts, intestinal fortitude, discipline, and a relentless pursuit of the One who set you on this journey back to Himself.
Your ROI (Return on Investment)? A life overflowing with joy, purpose, and an unshakable confidence that can only come from knowing your Creator and spending eternity with HIM. “I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.” Phil. 4:13
The time is now! The time has come to stop boring God with a lukewarm faith. Ready yourself to experience the fullness of what the Almighty has in store for you.
The beacons are lit. The battle cry has been sounded. It might be off in the distance, for now, but you can see the flame and hear the call. There is no avoiding it. Spiritual War is upon us. The only question left: will you answer the call?
Live your life worthy of HIS Sacrifice +
God Bless you +
Deacon Dez
