Stand Up and Share the JOY!

Have you had your JOY JUICE today?  It’s better if it’s not lukewarm!

        In Revelation 3, we read a letter written to the Christians at Laodicea.  In verses 15 &16 God spoke (through John) about being lukewarm:  

“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.”

            Laodicea was a wealthy city.  They produced black wool and a famed eye powder that was proclaimed as a cure for eye diseases. The church at Laodicea shared in the prosperity of the community.  The people  were self-satisfied and comfortable!  The disappointing thing is that the Christians fit in with the rest of the population.  They were not distinguishable as being any different.

            As we ponder this passage, we have to ask ourselves the question….are we like the Laodiceans, blending in with everyone else?  OR do we “stand out” in the crowd as being someone who “stands up” for Jesus and our faith?  When Christians fail to stand for something, they end up standing for nothing.  The lesson we glean from this scripture is that a lukewarm church filled with lukewarm Christians is nauseating to the Lord.

            Let’s determine to be different!  To be joyfully “on fire” for the Lord by studying and obeying His Word; by growing daily in our relationship with Him so that we are constantly aware of His leading in every area of our lives.  

            Stand up for Him and share the Joy of Jesus with others passionately!