Lukewarm values

Lukewarm, that is the charge. I have heard this as a charge that the Reformed tradition lacked passion. More recently, it has been used to advocate for clarity: take a position, don’t stay in the messy middle.

Christ’s letter to the church in Laodicea includes the passage, “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.” (Rev. 3:15-16) What you might not know is why Jesus used this specific accusation. 

Laodicea’s water problems

Laodicea was a prosperous regional capital in southwest Anatolia (Turkey). All the churches addressed in Revelation 2 to 3 are in this region. Laodicea was known for its wealth and independence. There were banks; a large marketplace, specializing in textiles; and a famous medical school known for its eye salve treatment. 

Laodicea had a problem. They had no local water. Down the mountain to the southeast was the town of Colossae, known for its refreshing mountain river of cold water. Colossae was too far down the mountain to source water from. A bit to the north was the town of Hierapolis. It was a volcanic area of hot mineral water in which people would bathe for healing. I bathed there once. Laodicea had to get their water from Hierapolis. But by the time the water came to Laodicea through corroding pipes, it was disgusting, lukewarm mineral water that made those drinking it throw up.

Cultural waters

“Lukewarm” does not have to do with passion nor decisiveness. It is about being useless and disgusting. The Laodicean church had imbibed their culture, as well as its water. They were proud, rich, independent, self-sufficient and self-reliant Westerners – I mean, from western Asia Minor. “You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’” (Rev. 3:17a) 

This was the Asian Roman culture. When they had an earthquake thirty years before, they rejected all aid. They could take care of themselves. They had even solved, if you can call it that, their water problem by their own ingenuity and hard work. This is the culture in which I grew up. Be self-reliant. Don’t ask for help. Do it yourself. Work hard and solve your problems. I know the Laodicean church. It is not a culture of grace.

A hot and helpful church 

“I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.” (Rev. 3:18-19a) Christ’s counsel specifically contrasts Laodicea’s culture. It is a loving call to turn from our achievements to Christ’s gifts, to experience his accepting presence and to be encouraged by his promise of victory. It is to refine and redefine our values. It is a call to grace.

The ruling victory Christ promises is not the world’s way of power, conquering your enemies or being more passionate or right than others. These all lead to being lukewarm, useless and disgusting. Chist’s victory is through helpful, gracious service.

May we, the church, be known for helpfulness; hot healing water for those who hurt and cold refreshing water for those who thirst. May we know grace and be gracious.

“Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” (Rev. 3:22)