“So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of my mouth.” Revelation 3:16
Recently, Pam and I had the opportunity to cruise on a long boat in Europe through a number of countries. There were so many beautiful places and things to see. We toured through churches, palaces, and cathedrals that were simply stunning in every aspect. However, when we asked a question on how the buildings were used today for faith and the sharing of Christianity we were met with blank stares or statements like, “they are no longer used for services.”
These once great churches and magnificent cathedrals are silent. No music, no voices being lifted up to God, no preaching the word of hope in Christ, no joy in celebration, just people walking around taking pictures of a place that is as dead as the stones in the structure.
Although it is true that a building is only a building, and faith does not come from the structure, where have all the faithful people, pastors and priests gone? Then I wondered, what causes me to go silent like those Cathedrals? What are the events in my life that causes me to go stone dead?
My prayer is that God will continue to show me and you those things or events that drive us to cold silence so we may be aware of our faithlessness. When our Lord shows us these things, may He inspire us to come alive, to sing for joy, to love God enthusiastically, and to openly live out our faith in front of the world and above all, to be fearless for Jesus.