Disgustingly Lukewarm

Revelation 3:14 “And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God's creation. 15 “‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! 16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. 17 For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. 

This is the last stop on the tour of the Asian churches that John was taken to see.  Despite the idolatry and immorality seen at the other six, this one is the most disturbing: lukewarmness, having a semblance of spiritual fire, but more concerned with their own comfort and self-sufficiently.  It is indeed scary as we look at the churches in our culture, believing we are "safe", having lost our full dependency on the Spirit of God for our existence and growth.  Most of all there is no perceived need for sanctification - to be refined like gold and cleansed into Christlikeness.  How easy it is to stray from God's intention for His Church.