To the angel of the church in Laodicea write:
These
are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s
creation. 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 3:14-16
Hot
or cold are both useful. If you are
thirsty you prefer hot or cold, never lukewarm.
Hot water is good for coffee and sterilizing dishes. Hot showers feel good as well as hot
compresses. Cold water is refreshing, to
drink in or swim. Ice on a swollen knee
brings healing.
A
church can be refreshing and healing, making you feel warm and welcoming. Lukewarm is neither one or the other, but
parts of what they could be. Jesus wants
a church to be hot and cold, never lukewarm.