Driving by a small lake alongside the Appalachian Trail, I can usually determine the weather and season just by observing the activities on the lake. On any given weekend day I can catch a glimpse of American leisure time.
Recently, I saw a different landscape than usual. The lake was partially frozen after a couple of days with temps in the negative teens. Large chunks of ice floated on the surface of the still waters. Small gullies of water flowed in between the clusters of ice. The Lord (not “Mother Nature”) had created this masterpiece when the wind blew across the partially frozen surface pushing the water to form ice chunks. Maybe this happens often, but I had never before seen any body of water like this.
Normally by this time in the winter, ice fishermen were lugging their gear across the completely frozen lake to set up their gig. We were in between the crisp days of autumn with the brilliant foliage mirrored on the lake and the not-so-distant season of kayakers, swimmers, and boaters dodging a heat wave. Instead, not one man, woman or child was to be seen on the silent lake. Although it was a beautiful sight…especially emerging from a deep freeze with hopes of milder temps ahead…the lake was devoid of any activity.
Driving toward my destination the thought of a lukewarm lake came to mind. Except for the beauty of a postcard picture, the lake held no purpose for passersby. Disappointed ice fishermen could not get their thrill from making their big catch to show and tell about. Nor could kayakers, swimmers, and boaters coast along the calm waters, getting lost in nature’s beauty and peace. Unable to pursue their leisure activities, they could only wait for a shift in temperature.
What does the Bible say about being lukewarm? Not any good thing. We are warned not to get stuck in that neither-here-nor-there place. Hot or cold yes; that’s ok because that’s where God can do His miraculous work. Jesus called out the hypocritical, legalistic Pharisees, comparing them to whitewashed tombs. Looking good on the outside but dead and unclean on the inside. (Mt 23:27-28)
That’s what we may look like going to church, singing the songs, even serving in ministry, responding, “Yeah, I’m good” when greeted, but on the inside is a lukewarm heart of complacency. We need either a fire to reignite the flame or some disruption to clear away the ice chunks blocking a smooth pathway to the Lord’s purposes. Complacency can quickly turn into compromise and deception as we continue on the path of least resistance. No one wants or welcomes the fire of trials, yet it is there we discover the heart of God towards us, our circumstances, and those He’s put in our path.
We are all vulnerable to a lukewarm heart, regardless of how long we’ve walked with the Lord. Most often we barely notice the shift, but God does. And by His abundant grace, He draws us back to desire more of Him. He is a jealous God, a consuming fire who will heat up our hearts to be fully devoted to Him once again.
The lake with the floating ice chunks did look good, but in reality, it did not fill its purpose. Perhaps today is a day to examine your heart and ask the Lord if any lukewarm complacency exists there. Because He loves you so, He will happily respond and lead you back to His heart and your purpose.