The Dangers of being Mediocre

Revelation 3.14-22

Read Revelation 3:14–22 (NLT):

14 “Write this letter to the angel of the church in Laodicea(Lay-oh-Di--see-uh). This is the message from the one who is the Amen—the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s new creation:

15 “I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! 16 But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! 17 You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’ And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. 18 So I advise you to buy gold from me—gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see. 19 I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference.

20 “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. 21 Those who are victorious will sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne.

22 “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.”

Opening Prayer

Have you ever bought something that you thought was quality made and come a week or two later to notice it was mostly not quality at all?

I have. I was needing a good pair of comfortable steel toe shoes for a job I was working. I began to do my research and asked around what’s the best shoe that would last the longest. My philosophy on buying certain things if it is possible, is choosing quality over price. I ended up buying a pair of sketchers. Now I’m not judging those who love sketchers, but those shoes probably lasted three months in the warehouse before the bottoms started to fall off and flop. Making me realize it probably made with low quality material and unfortunately for me, making them mediocre.

Do you know the definition of Mediocre?

§ According to Merriam Webster dictionary, the definition is: of moderate or low quality, value, ability, or performance…so so.

The church in Laodicea (Lay-oh-Di--see-uh) was mediocre. Their performance of their Christian duties was not on par where Christ wanted them to be.

Let’s take a moment to talk about the church of Laodicea (Lay-oh-Di-see-uh).

[1]At one time, Laodicea (Lay-oh-Di-see-uh) was the wealthiest of the seven cities, known for its banking industry, manufacture of wool, and a medical school that produced eye salve. But the city had always had a problem with its water supply. At one time an aqueduct was built to bring water to the city from hot springs. By the time the water reached the city, it was neither hot nor refreshingly cool – only lukewarm. The church had become just like the lukewarm water that came into the city.

The church was not taking a stand for Christ. They neglected to do the work of Christ by becoming hardened and self-sufficient. As Christians we are not to do things halfhearted in the name of Christ. The church was destroying itself by only following God halfway.

Yes, I know, I have only lived a short time compared to some; I do not have the all the knowledge and wisdom others may have. I do know however; the calling God has placed on all of us who calls ourselves Christians. Unfortunately, not all who are called will answers. You see, just as the church in Laodicea (Lay-oh-Di-see-uh) we get caught up on ourselves and working out our problems on our own. This makes us self-reliant and self-sufficient not needing Jesus Christ in our lives.

Let’s take a look at verses 15–16 (NLT) to see what God has to say about that: 15 “I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! 16 But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth!

In verse 15 & 16, God says He knows all things we do. God knows the temperature of our hearts. God also knew the hearts of the believers in Laodicea (Lay-oh-Di-see-uh). He goes on to say that He will spit them out of His mouth…because they became complacent and apathetic. In so many words, the church claimed the blessings they have received were a gift from Christ. No matter how much money, education, knowledge, or possessions on earth, a person accumulates it will not matter. You see, if a person does not have a personal relationship with Christ, then they have nothing at all.

Let’s take a look at verses 17–18 (NLT): 17 You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’ And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. 18 So I advise you to buy gold from me—gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see.

Does your current lifestyle, wealth or desires affect your personal relationship with Jesus Christ?

If so, you have not found the true riches of life. Remember, the lukewarm church was once a thriving community as it measured up to the world’s standards. However, the only place you will find true riches is with Christ himself!

[2]Their self-confidence had blinded them to the fact that in reality they were “poor, blind and naked!

Look at what happens when we are self-reliant & self-efficient, we become miserable! As we all can see this temporary place, we call home is crumbling all around us. So many feels and believe they do not need to rely on The Everlasting, Eternal God. The unfortunate truth for many Christians and churches is that they have fallen into the reality of being lukewarm… and many of them don’t even realize it.

We need to let God baptize us by fire, letting Him mold us the way He want us to be. If you ever watched the TV show called “Forged in Fire”, you will see when they put the iron in the fire it softens the iron so they can shape it in the shape they need to be. The same applies to us; if we do not let God’s word shape our heart and soul, how are we going to do the job God has called us to do as a church and as Christians?

2 Quotes that I would like to share with you.

There is NO cheap, easy, or lazy way to serve God.

-Adrian Rogers

You cannot change directions in a parked car, nor can God change direction in a parked Christian.

-Dr Lawrence Phipps

Revelation 3:19–22 (NLT):

19 I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference.

Proverbs 3:11–12 (NLT):

11 My child, don’t reject the Lord’s discipline,

and don’t be upset when he corrects you.

12 For the Lord corrects those he loves,

just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.

Revelation 3:20-22

20 “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. 21 Those who are victorious will sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne.

22 “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.”

God says He is knocking on the door of our hearts and wants us to open it so He can be in fellowship with us. He is very persistent with trying to get us to open the door to let Him in, but we get so busy living our lives that we do not hear Him at our door.

Do you intentionally keep His life changing presence and power on the other side of the door?

The church at Laodicea (Lay-oh-Di-see-uh) was complacent and rich, they felt self-satisfied. Letting the pleasures of this world into our lives can be dangerous because their temporary satisfactions can make us not needing to seek the everlasting satisfactions of Jesus Christ. We are shutting Him out. The presence of Christ was not with them, but He was knocking at their door, and they did not hear Him. They were too busy with what was going on around them in their life that they did not care what the true calling of the church was. Going to church for them was routine. We need not to become caught up with the temporary satisfaction of life that we lose our zeal for Christ. It is time to let Christ set a fire to our feet and put our faith into action.

We need to draw near to God, letting the Holy Spirit reignite our love for God and allow Him to work on our hearts.

The time is now… not later, because we aren’t promised tomorrow. There is no putting it off or saying we will eventually get there, or it will take time. We do not know the exact time God will return, but we do know God has called us as a body of believers to stand up and serve Him…are you ready to be that light in the service of the Lord?

Are you willing to let God shape your life? Is there something weighing you down that you need to let go of and just lay it at the feet of Jesus? Let Him take it from you and see how God will use you.

How are you going to respond to the knocking God is doing on your heart?

The alter is open, I ask that you come, lay your burdens down at the feet of Jesus.

[1]NASB, Life Application Study Bible, page 2248 [2]Mounce, Robert H. The Book of Revelation (The New international commentary on the New Testament)