Lukewarm for God (Revelation 3:14-22)

"To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation. (Revelation 3:14 NIV)

It's one thing to make the decision to follow or not follow a man.  It's a completely different decision when the one you are thinking about is "the ruler of God's creation."  Following Jesus isn't about following a man.  It's about following God.

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. You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. (Revelation 3:15-17 NIV)

In the United States of America, this is probably the most widespread temptation to give up on Jesus.  We equate security and wealth with "the pursuit of happiness."  When we don't have enough wealth, we work hard to get it.  When we get it, we work hard to keep it.  Through the whole process, we forget about Jesus.

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. Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. (Revelation 3:18-19 NIV)

Money is not the root of all evil.  It's simply one more way to pull us away from Jesus.  When it works, it is an evil in our lives.  When it doesn't, the wealth in our hands becomes another tool for God to use in Kingdom work.  The only difference between one and the other is the condition of the heart.  When we realize that money is pulling us away from God, we need to repent.

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne. Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches." (Revelation 3:20-22 NIV)

How about you?  Do you allow anything to pull you away from Jesus?  Do you walk away from God for a quick (or even a slow, hard earned) buck?  Are you going to be invited to sit by Jesus on his throne?