Session 8

How committed are you to following Jesus?

From Revelation: A 28-Day Devotional

Have you ever been to the pool at the beginning of summer when the water is just a little too cold to jump in? You stick your toes and legs in slowly, but there is no way you are ready to jump.

This is how the church at Laodicea felt about Jesus. Revelation 3:15 says they were neither “cold nor hot” but “lukewarm” in their relationship with Jesus. They weren’t ready to fully commit.

The Bible warns about in-name-only Christians. Becoming a Christian is not a box we check; it’s the start of a relationship that changes everything.

When you go swimming, others can tell. You’re dripping from head to toe, and your hair and skin carry the chemical scent of chlorine or the saltiness of the ocean. Likewise, when we’ve got a relationship with Jesus, it shows.

Describing His followers, Jesus said, “By their fruit you will recognize them” (Matthew 7:16). Our lives — our actions, behaviors, and thoughts — change as we spend time with Him.   

Jesus doesn’t require us to be perfect. He knows we could never be! If perfection were possible, we wouldn’t have needed Him to save us.

Jesus knows we will fail. He knows we’ll struggle more in some seasons of life than others (Hebrews 4:15).

However, Jesus didn’t die to give us a label. He died so we could have a relationship. He loves you! He is not lukewarm in His pursuit of you. In these words to the church at Laodicea, Jesus says, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock.”   

Are you ready to jump in?

Reflect:

• Is there any area of your life you’ve yet to fully surrender to Jesus? 
• What are some ways your thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors have changed since you started following Jesus?   
• Is there any area of your spiritual life that might be lukewarm?