“I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.” Revelation 3:15–17
Dear heavenly Father,
Deep down, I subtly think, ‘I need nothing’—not because I’m content in You, but because I feel no need of You. It’s so easy to drift into self-dependency, prayerlessness, and pride when things seem to be going well and I enjoy an abundance of material blessings from Your hand. In such times I think, “Look what I’ve done” instead of “Look what You’ve done for me.” Forgive me, Lord.
Help me to be zealous for You and repentant of my self-sufficiency, pride, and unbelief. Keep the blessings You’ve given me from being my joy and focus. Increase my gratitude in You as I enjoy Your blessings. I don’t want to my faith (or lack thereof) to make Jesus sick to His stomach because I’m neither hot nor cold. I don’t want to think I’m strong when I’m actually weak.
I confess my attention is drawn to temporary distractions like social media or the headlines here on earth. Remind me how I need You every hour and how man does not live on bread alone but on every Word that comes from Your mouth. Keep me from the pursuit of a comfortable life and give me zeal to seek You and Your kingdom first. Set my mind on things above and cause me to long for deeper communion with You.
Father, I praise You for Your loving rebuke and discipline. You have given me so much in Christ, and I pray for You to restore to me the joy of Your salvation. Would my “I need nothing” mentality shift to a Spirit-dependent mentality in all things, so I treasure You more and bear more fruit for Your glory.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
Related Scriptures: Revelation 3:14–22; Deuteronomy 8
Related Sermon: Beware the Subtle Test of Success on Deuteronomy 8 by Pastor Colin Smith