I like My Coffee Hot and Cold
By Raul Rivera
I love hot coffee, and I also love cold brew. But if you let either sit long enough, it’s neither hot nor cold—and it’s awful. In Revelation 3:16, Jesus uses this idea to make a powerful statement: 'So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth' (NIV). As pastors, this message should resonate deeply with us because it highlights one of the greatest dangers in ministry—becoming lukewarm.
The Context of Laodicea
In the book of Revelation, Jesus addresses the church in Laodicea, a wealthy and influential city known for its eye salve, a product made in the hills surrounding the city. The production of this salve required both hot and cold water, but Laodicea didn't have an immediate source of either. To solve this, the city built a system of pipes to bring hot water from Hierapolis and cold water from Colossae. However, by the time the water reached Laodicea, it had lost its heat and coolness, becoming lukewarm—useless for the purpose it was intended.
Jesus' message to the Laodiceans wasn’t just about their water supply; it was a metaphor for their spiritual condition. Just as the lukewarm water was ineffective, so were they in their faith. They were comfortable, self-reliant, and complacent, thinking their wealth and success meant they didn’t need anything else. But Jesus rebuked them, urging them to wake up from their spiritual complacency.
The Danger of a Lukewarm Ministry
As pastors, it’s easy to fall into the same trap. Over time, the demands of ministry can wear us down, and what was once a passionate calling can slowly turn into routine. When that happens, we risk becoming like the lukewarm water of Laodicea—neither hot nor cold, just going through the motions without making a true impact.
A lukewarm ministry is a dangerous place to be. It lacks passion, urgency, and purpose. It’s comfortable, but comfort is not what God calls us to. God doesn’t want us to be passive or half-hearted. He calls us to be either 'hot'—full of zeal, fervor, and commitment—or 'cold'—refreshing, restorative, and focused on meeting the needs of others. In both cases, we are useful for the kingdom.
The Call to Be Useful
God’s message to the church in Laodicea, and to us, is clear: Be useful. Whether we are called to preach, counsel, lead, or serve in any capacity, we are to do it with our whole heart, giving our best to the Lord. Paul echoes this sentiment in Colossians 3:23 when he says, 'Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.'
So, what does it mean to be useful in ministry? It means we’re constantly seeking God’s direction, staying passionate about our calling, and working diligently to advance His kingdom. It’s about being intentional in our leadership, building relationships with those we serve, and leading our congregations with purpose. It means we are not content with the status quo but are always striving to grow, improve, and make a greater impact.
Conclusion: Fully Committed
As pastors, our calling is to be useful for God’s kingdom, whether through preaching, teaching, or serving. God doesn’t call us to be perfect, but He does call us to be effective. When we let our passion for the Lord fuel our work, we’re not just fulfilling our duties—we’re transforming lives and advancing His kingdom.
Let’s commit today to avoid the trap of becoming lukewarm. Instead, let’s be either hot or cold, fully committed and fully useful for the Lord.