Are you lukewarm in your faith? Discover why we should stop comparing ourselves to others, examine our own spiritual lives, and keep our eyes fixed on Jesus as we journey toward Heaven.
Let’s step back for a moment and look at where we are on our journey to Heaven. What are we doing right now to grow closer to Jesus each day? Do we mention God only once a week on Sunday and whenever we need His help? Are we on fire with love for Jesus Christ, or have we become lukewarm or even cold?
We are quick to judge others when we see them doing something sinful, but we don’t always like to examine ourselves. Jesus tells us, “…Remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter from your brother’s eye.” We should focus first on ourselves. We cannot lift ourselves up or grow closer to Jesus by pushing others down.
Seeing others commit serious sins can sometimes make us feel better about our own lukewarm spiritual lives. We tell ourselves, “At least I’m not as bad as that person.” We convince ourselves that we are doing well because we don’t kill anyone, steal, or cheat on our spouse. However, we shouldn’t only strive to avoid serious sins, but always seek the good as well. When I eat a mediocre meal at a restaurant, I don’t say, “At least I’m not eating garbage.” I want good food.
We should keep our eyes on Jesus rather than on our neighbor. Instead of comparing ourselves with others, we should ask ourselves whether we are becoming more like Christ. We should continually work toward living in a way that pleases Him.
Those who have committed grave sins and hit rock bottom can sometimes turn their lives around quickly. They experience firsthand the damage that serious sin causes, and they begin to avoid it. Meanwhile, those who remain lukewarm can become comfortable with their mediocrity. Because they don’t see an urgent need to change, they remain where they are.
Instead of pushing others down, we should lift them up. Gossip has become so common that we can even find it enjoyable. We may think that hurting someone else’s reputation will make us look better, but gossip hurts us too. If you see your neighbor doing something wrong, go to him in person and talk to him. No one likes correction, but I would rather someone tell me that I am doing something wrong than allow me to remain in my sin or go behind my back and tell everyone else about it.
If you want to be a light to others, always point them toward the ultimate Light, Jesus. Don’t step on someone when they are down, and don’t become jealous when someone else’s light shines brightly. Instead, let the light you see in others inspire you to grow closer to God. Humble yourself, and God will exalt you in Heaven.
