A friend gave me this book "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan. I've been learning so much from it. I highly recommend it! One chapter talks about lukewarm people and it has really convicted me.
Lukewarm people give money to the church and tithe,
when it's convenient, when they have extra, and when it doesn't change their life style.
So often I can have lukewarm attributes:
It's easy for me to stand up and follow Christ when it's convenient
It's easy to follow Jesus when things are going so well
It's easy to serve God with my heart, mind, and soul when I can control my life and only give up when I want and what I want.
Jesus said "Take up your cross and follow Me."
I think He meant in every area of our life. We no longer have control, when we serve, follow, and worship Him it needs to be on His terms, no matter our comfort level or success. And it's not at all in a bully way. He is so loving and knows what's best for us!
Matthew 7:20-27 says:
20"So then, you will know them by their fruits.
21"Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.
22"Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?'
23"And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.'
24"Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock.
25"And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock.
26"Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.
27"The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell--and great was its fall."
So, that means some people are going to completely miss it! As Christians, and one who grew up in the church, we're taught to everyday have a devotion time - read your Bible and pray. Those are great things to do, but sometimes we can make them religious and more of a to do list. When in reality they are practical things that draw you closer to Him. God says "draw close to me and I will draw close to you."
Following Christ (Christian) is about a relationship with Jesus Christ. There has to be a heart change because then when you completely love God you will long for Him naturally. You will pray and read your Bible to spend time with Him. Then it's not about what you do or don't do, but who you know and more importantly that He knows you. Not a religion, but a relationship.
check out the book on www.crazylovebook.com