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Becoming born-again is a decision every Christian makes at some point in their lives. This means full devotion to Christ. Therefore you cannot be here and there at the same time. Knowing how to stop being a lukewarm Christian may look difficult, but it is very important.

Being a lukewarm Christian can feel like a never-ending cycle, such that when you try to move and become better in your spirituality, you will find yourself back at the same point you started.

This is because you pick a part of the word of God and instructions for Christians that is most convenient for you and those which are not convenient, you do not practice.

A lukewarm Christian is generally a person who has one foot in the word and the other in the world. The Bible strongly warns against this saying; “Do not love the world or anything in the world.

If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world-the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life comes not from the Father but from the world.” 1 John‬ 2:15-16‬ (NIV‬‬).

It is, however, possible to learn how to stop being a lukewarm Christian. A lukewarm Christian is one who is just like the word “lukewarm”, that is, they are neither hot nor cold.

The life of a lukewarm Christian is an unfulfilled one. Therefore it is not just enough for any individual. A fulfilled life is one who knows where exactly he stands and refuses to be tossed from side to side by the wind.

Dangers Of Lukewarm Christianity

It is not enough to be a Christian in private and be like the world when you come out. You cannot love God in private and be ashamed of him in public.

Whatever you do with God in your inner chambers should be what you do with Him in the view of men. It is dangerous to practice lukewarm Christianity because you bring displeasure to God.

Take, for instance, an individual sitting on a high fence. This person is neither here nor there, just on the side that favors him at any time.

Nevertheless, this person is in grave danger because when the wind should blow, he can be tossed to any side of the fence and so have a forceful fall that can hurt him.

Also, when the rain falls, he is left exposed to the rain because he is sitting on the fence where he cannot get shelter from the rain.

This is how lukewarmness exposes you to the troubles of the devil, and when a storm would wage, since you are not grounded on any side, you will be easily blown away and tossed around like a toy.

What Does The Bible Say About Lukewarm Christianity

When discussing crucial issues such as this, I like to refer to the Bible because it is a guide that God has given to us. The Bible says a number of things about lukewarmness in the lives of Christians.

But one of the major things we see is that the Bible condemns lukewarmness. Revelations 3:16 (NIV) “So, because you are lukewarm neither hot nor cold I am about to spit you out of my mouth.”

God is usually patient with us, but He does not tolerate lukewarm Christianity. So when you begin to act in such ways, God is moved to cut you off because you are “…double-minded and unstable in all they do.”

James‬ 1:8‬ (NIV‬‬). People who are double-minded are usually dishonest and last any level of integrity, which are character traits that God would like all of His children to possess.

According to the scriptures, we see that it is even better for an individual to be totally cold when it comes to the things of God because it is easier to encourage such a person to become hot for God. Therefore, you are not dealing with how to stop being a lukewarm Christian but how to come to the knowledge of Christ.

For “It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and

the powers of the coming age and who have fallen away, to be brought back to repentance. To their loss, they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace.” Hebrews‬ 6:4-6‬ (NIV‬‬).

Signs You Are A Lukewarm Christian

In order to know how to stop being a lukewarm Christian, you have to first realize that you are actually a lukewarm Christian. The Bible says, “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves…” 2 Corinthians‬ 13:5‬ (NIV‬‬).

When you sit down and examine yourself carefully, you can then know and recognize the signs of lukewarm Christianity in your personal life. Such signs include:

• Not being committed to Christ
• Careless with their place of prayer
• Never giving
• Engaging in sinful pleasures
• Refusal to spread the gospel even when given the opportunity
• Refusal to accept discomfort for the sake of Godly things

There are many more signs that demonstrate lukewarm Christianity, but above are a few traits that every lukewarm Christian possesses.

If you have noticed these signs, then this article is for you. There is major work for you to do regarding your salvation, but this article will give you a guide.

10 Ways On How To Stop Being A Lukewarm Christian

Spiritual lukewarmness can be likened to an individual who is sick but does not know that there is a sickness in his body. This is dangerous because if he does not know it is there, how would he find a solution or treatment for his problem?

This is how it is with lukewarm Christianity because if you have not recognized that you are lukewarm, you would not be looking for ways to stop it.

So, realizing that you are a lukewarm Christian is an important step towards changing it. There are many more ways, and in this article, I will be sharing with you 10 practical ways, which are

1. Recognize And Acknowledge Your Lukewarm Nature

I know I have mentioned this a number of times already, but let me give you an in-depth analysis with a side of the story. Growing up, I have always been in the church.

I was born into Christianity and grew up in it. So, I was one to always offer the prayers I thought necessary, such as saying grace at the table, praying in the morning and at night, etc.

However, a time came in my life when I realized that what I was doing was far from what Christianity should be like. It was hard to accept this initially, and I can even say that I was too proud to accept the lukewarm nature that I had adopted.

Nevertheless, recognizing that I was lukewarm was the encouragement I needed to seek how to recover from spiritual dryness, which eventually, I did.

So, ask yourself questions and give yourself sincere answers; this way, you can know where you stand and, subsequently, the steps to take next on how to stop being a lukewarm Christian.

2. Desist From Loving The World

The Bible is firm when it comes to our hearts. More times than one, we have been told that our hearts cannot be divided between two contrasting elements.

This is because, no matter how hard you try, one will surely dominate the other, depending on which area you are more inclined to as an individual. The world is indeed distracting, and I know how hard it can get trying to be on the right track and lead a great spiritual life.

However, in order to not be a lukewarm Christian, you have to be intentional about loving God and not the world. If the world seems attractive to you because you are in need, then I tell you that no matter what you need, God has all of it, and “…will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians‬ 4:19‬ (NIV‬‬). Asides from the provision, there’s more that’s found in Christ. Be it happiness, joy, or peace, being in Christ can give you everything you need.

3. Spiritual Revival

How do you revive yourself as a Christian? I will not tell you that this is super easy, but I will tell you that it is a spiritual exercise that requires your full attention and mind.

Every Christian, at some point in our lives, needs spiritual revival and reawakening, and this is one of the ways how to stop being a lukewarm Christian. As long as you are constantly spiritually revived, there is automatically no place for lukewarmness in your life.

To rebuild your spirituality, you have to work on strengthening your inner mind and spiritual core. You also have to work on your relationships with people around you and guard your heart while at it.

Relating with God on a more spiritual level helps you build a better relationship, as well as help you avoid being a lukewarm Christian.

4. Engage The Scripture

The word of God is not literature or a storybook for our entertainment. It is the Christian handbook that should serve as a life manual that can help us navigate through life with the stories and directions that are already given.

At any point, you feel like you are being lukewarm; the scripture is always there to receive and remind you of who you should be in Christ. Go through the word, especially those that speak on the dangers of lukewarmness.

This will help set you back on your way with Christ. So, as you study the Word, meditate on it and pray. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you and help you overcome whatever spiritual dryness you may be experiencing.

Also, begin to take steps towards fulfilling the scriptures, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” James‬ 1:22‬ (NIV‬‬). As you read the scripture, engage it by taking action. Avoid being a mere listener or reader; go ahead and be a doer as the scripture has commanded.

5. Have Complete Faith In God

One of the reasons Christians usually give when they become lukewarm is that they need options or they are “weighing” their options.

Being a believer in God has taught me that Christians should not have ‘options’ when they are with God because God is our ultimate source and provider. Therefore, to not be a lukewarm Christian, having total faith in God is crucial.

This means that you surrender to God completely and allow Him to do His will. When we seek how to stop being lukewarm Christians, we are seeking to please God; however, “…without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”

Hebrews‬ 11:6‬ (NIV‬‬). Every believer has to have faith in God in order to stop being a lukewarm Christian. Nevertheless, You can learn more about having complete faith in God from this detailed article here:

6. Be Conscious Of The Vices Of The Devil

One thing every born again should know is that the devil is jealous of the relationship we have with our Father. Therefore, he is constantly looking for ways to distract us and pull us away from the love God has made available to us.

“in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.” 2 Corinthians‬ 2:11‬ (NIV‬‬). As a believer, walking in the spirit is as important as breathing.

This is because the devil is searching for loopholes, no matter how tiny, to get into your heart and disrupt what God has planted. In this regard, we have to be spiritually vigilant at all times.

The Bible urges us in 1 Peter‬ 5:8‬ (NIV‬) to “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”

And if at a time he comes we are not sensitive to perceive his presence and vices, then he will enter and plant the spirit of lukewarmness. This he will do by distracting you with a number of things.

Be mindful, however, that the devil not only tries to distract us with challenges, but he also tries to distract us with things that we may think we need or have prayed to God about.

This is why when we ask God for gifts; we should be alert and sure that the answer that comes is actually from God and not the devil.

The knowledge and consciousness of the distractions that the devil would bring your way would help you avoid lukewarmness and know how to stop being a lukewarm Christian.

7. Obedience To God’s Instructions

With God, obedience is key in everything we do, as He is interested in the state of hearts when he sends or instructs us. Knowing how to not become a lukewarm Christian involves your readiness to say yes when God says “go,” “come,” or “wait.”

When we look at the lives of our ancient fathers in the faith and their relationship with God, it is evident that God was always pleased with them due to their readiness and ability to obey His word at all times.

A lukewarm Christian is one who is obedient when it is convenient and disobedient when it is inconvenient for them. Take, for example, Ananias and Sapphira, a married couple in the church at the time of Peter (Acts 5:1-11).

They seemed to be upright believers until it was time to obey and bring in the money they got from the sales of their land. Ananias and Sapphira then brought part of what they got and lied to the church that what they brought was all they received.

Their punishment was instant death. The couple walked in lukewarmness, and their end was not admirable. Being lukewarm and disobeying can bring punishment, whereas obeying God can help you shun lukewarmness and attract rewards from God.

8. Recognize The Right Things With God And Do Them

Being a lukewarm Christian is not just about not being available in church or serving God. Sometimes, we get too busy ‘serving God’ that we do not have the time to listen to Him.

So, while you are going up and about trying to please God and work for him, you get distracted and forget that your Father is speaking to you. In the Bible, when Jesus visited Mary and Martha, Mary was seated at the feet of Jesus, listening to the words He had to say to them.

She refused to bother herself with anything else at that moment as for her, Jesus’ teaching was more important. However, her sister, Martha, dedicated her time to preparing a feast for Jesus.

She was working tirelessly to ensure that Jesus was comfortable in their home till she forgot that at that moment, Jesus had something to say.

And when Martha complained about Mary’s absence in the preparations, Jesus answered and said, “but few things are needed or indeed only one.

Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke‬ 10:42‬ (NIV‬‬). This does not mean that the best thing is to neglect the work of God.

It only means that on how to stop being a lukewarm Christian, one has to know the time to do the right things- when to serve and when to listen.

9. Praying Daily And More Often

Prayer is the key to so many things that concern believers. Whenever we need access to something or someone, all we need to do is pray. Whether in good times or bad times, for celebration and mourning, prayer is necessary.

Having a good prayer habit can keep you from going lukewarm because as you pray often and sincerely, you continue to be on fire for God. How to stop being a lukewarm Christian can be seen through your willingness to pray, no matter the season.

So when you notice the signs of lukewarmness, dear friend, it is a wake-up call to prayer. It is a time to pray like never before because there are such loopholes that the devil is looking to come in through. The more fervently and sincerely you pray, the less lukewarm you get.

10. Returning To God

The final practical tip that I will give you in this article is returning to God. Becoming lukewarm does not mean that God hates you and never wants to have anything to do with you. Granted, God condemns he who is lukewarm, but once you realize this and you return to God, there’s no condemnation to your name anymore.

God wants what is best for you, so he creates the opportunity that will kickstart your decision to return to him and desist from being lukewarm in nature.

So, regularly examine yourself in order to be alert to when lukewarmness is creeping in. This will give you the advantage and help you return to God as soon as possible. Jesus is always rooting for but are you rooting for yourself? Therefore, “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew‬ 26:41‬ (NIV‬‬).

One of the most sincere desires and quests that every Christian embarks on daily is how to become better spiritually. In this regard, we are looking for ways how to stop being lukewarm Christians because, with God, we want to give out our very best. However, God is our creator and knows how imperfect we can be, so he guards us with jealousy.

But do we guard our salvation with jealousy? How much effort are we putting in to stop being lukewarm in nature? Despite your falling and rising, dear brethren, always avoid being lukewarm.

Be sensitive to the things around you, which would help you detect when you are getting lukewarm. With the above-listed practical ways and many more, you can recognize lukewarmness and know how to get out of lukewarmness!

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