What the Global Church Taught Us About Not Living as a Lukewarm Christian

Ashland Watson
Jul 28
4 min read

In Revelation 3:16, Jesus speaks directly to the church in Laodicea:

“So, because you are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, I am about to spit you out of my mouth.”

These words are a call to action for every believer today. Many of us in the church have grown up hearing this verse, but it’s often easy to skim over its intensity. The metaphor of being “lukewarm, neither hot nor cold” is (to be frank) jarring. It implies that lukewarm Christian faith, faith that is apathetic, comfortable, and disengaged, is repulsive to Jesus.

The global church, especially those serving and thriving in regions of persecution or poverty, holds up a mirror to this warning and challenges us to live with fervent faith.

Understanding What It Means to Be a Lukewarm Christian

A lukewarm Christian is someone who claims the name of Jesus... but lives in a way that is spiritually indifferent. They might go to church, say the right things, and even serve occasionally, but their heart is not fully surrendered. Their faith doesn’t cost them anything, and it doesn't transform them either.

Lukewarm faith tends to avoid discomfort, confrontation, and sacrifice. It settles for Christian culture without the power of Christ’s presence. It appears to be a belief without obedience, knowledge without intimacy, and comfort without conviction.

The Power of “Hot or Cold” Faith

When Jesus says He would rather us be “hot or cold,” it’s not a call to pick between loving Him or rejecting Him. It’s a challenge to choose a faith that is alive and engaged rather than passive and stale. Cold water refreshes. Hot water purifies. Both have purpose. But lukewarm water? It’s stagnant, and spiritually dangerous.

Being “hot” in our faith means walking in daily surrender, being filled with the Holy Spirit, and stepping into bold obedience. Being “cold” may represent the honesty of spiritual searching or even opposition, but it is at least a place where transformation is possible. Lukewarm faith is stagnant because it assumes it's already arrived.

What the Global Church Reveals

At Mosaic, we’ve had the privilege of partnering with believers in countries where being a Christian is anything but comfortable. We’ve worshiped in places where singing too loudly could bring persecution, like South Asia. We’ve sat with pastors who lead house churches by candlelight in remote villages.

We’ve served widows, children and families who have lost everything but still radiate a joy and dependence on Jesus that is awe-inspiring. What we’ve learned from them is this: lukewarm Christianity isn’t an option when your faith is all you have. There’s no room for apathy when following Jesus costs your reputation, your comfort, or even your life.

These global brothers and sisters remind us that Christianity isn’t about convenience. It’s about commitment. Their daily lives confront our Western habits of casual faith. They teach us that faith grows most when it is tested and that intimacy with Jesus deepens when He becomes your only source of hope.

Signs of Lukewarm Faith

We can’t be changed by what we tolerate. If we want to move from lukewarm to on-fire faith, we need to start with self-reflection. Ask yourself:

Do I pursue Jesus only when it’s convenient?
Am I more influenced by culture than by Christ?
Does my faith stretch my comfort zone, or does it just keep me comfortable?
Am I bearing fruit in my spiritual life, or just going through the motions?

If we find ourselves living as lukewarm Christians, the answer isn’t shame. It’s repentance and re-surrender. The invitation is to come back to the One who doesn’t just call us out but also calls us in, to a real, transformative relationship.

How to Break Free from Lukewarm Christianity

The antidote to being lukewarm is wholehearted devotion. Your relationship with Jesus is your own, and your own to make with Him. Your journey with Jesus is unique and should be cherished, nourished and boldly protected.

Here are a few simple, powerful steps to rekindle your faith:

1. Seek Intimacy with Jesus Daily

Prayer and Scripture aren't spiritual checkboxes, they're lifelines. Ask the Jesus to renew your hunger and open your heart to God’s presence.

2. Serve the Global Body

When you engage with what God is doing around the world, your own faith is ignited. Supporting missions, praying for persecuted Christians, and learning from their testimonies will stretch and strengthen your walk.

3. Live Sacrificially

Ask God to show you where you’ve grown comfortable. Then do the opposite. Step into places that require faith and rely on Him more than yourself.

4. Find a Kingdom-Minded Community

Surround yourself with others who are running hard after Jesus. Accountability, encouragement, and shared vision can pull you out of lukewarm living and into deeper purpose.

The Church We’re Becoming

Mosaic International exists to serve and learn from the global church. We believe that as we partner with brothers and sisters around the world, we are transformed by their example. Their courage challenges our comfort. Their joy convicts our complacency. Their faith inspires ours.

The truth is, we’re not meant to live as lukewarm Christians. We’re called to be the light of the world and the salt of the earth. That doesn’t come from half-hearted faith. It comes from lives fully surrendered to Jesus Christ.

So let us hear the message of Revelation 3:16 clearly:God doesn't want us lukewarm. He wants us alive, empowered by His Spirit, grounded in His Word, and bold in our witness.

At Mosaic International, we’ve seen firsthand how the global body of Christ is rising with that kind of boldness. Through every mission trip, every prayer partnership, every story shared, we’re reminded that lukewarm neither hot nor cold is not the legacy we’re meant to leave.

We’re called higher. And together, we’re answering. Learn more about Mosaic International here.