The Lukewarm Deceptionنموونە

"Christians aren’t perfect; just forgiven"

This is a Christian slogan sometimes seen on shirts and bumper stickers. There is definitely truth in it, because we aren’t perfect. If we have whole-heartedly surrendered our lives to Jesus Christ we are forgiven, but it is so easy to rely on being forgiven and let our lives and actions slide into laziness and lukewarmness, which can leave us wide open for deceptions from the enemy. Looking at two lives in the Bible will be helpful. 

Judas Iscariot followed Jesus for three years, and even went out spreading the Gospel and doing miracles in Jesus’ name (Matthew 10:5-17). But he was not wholehearted. Since he kept the money for the disciples, it was easy for him to steal a little here and there. Finally, he betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver and then, in remorse, hung himself.

Peter slipped often and was known for sticking his foot in his mouth. He also denied Jesus three times, claiming he never knew Him. But Peter repented with more than remorse and became a leader in the early Church (Acts 2:14-37). According to tradition, he was crucified upside-down because he didn’t feel worthy to be crucified just like his Lord.  

Peter served Jesus with his whole heart, although he was not perfect. Judas was lukewarm and it destroyed him. 

Do you hear the intensity of Paul’s appeal to us in Romans 12:1-2?  He definitely does not have lukewarm in mind:  “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” 

Reflection: Am I just relying on being forgiven without letting God change my life? Following Christ is a revolution which changes us to the core, a literal transformation! Talk to the Holy Spirit, and make a conscious decision to yield your whole heart to Him, so that He can renew your mind, that you will be able to understand the will of God, and follow Him in obedience.