There is no indication that these brethren were guilty of teaching or embracing false doctrine or were involved in any sinful or immoral behavior. Their problem is clearly revealed by the Lord in one word, namely, "lukewarm". This lukewarm condition stems from a lack of passion, emotion and excitement at it relates to their love for God, the church, each other and even the salvation of their souls as well as the souls of others. Now, the Lord is going to spit them out of his mouth.
It is imperative that we diligently guard our lives lest by willful neglect or outright refusal to do God's will, we become lukewarm in our commitment to God, his church and his word. To avoid becoming lukewarm, it is absolute necessity that we be an interested, actively involved member of the Lord's church . Consider these passages: James 1:22, "Be ye doers of the word not hearers only"; James 2:18, "show your faith without works, I'll show you my faith by my works"; 1 Cor. 15:58, "abounding in every good work".
Listen as Peter calls us lively stones, "ye also as lively stones are built up a spiritual house" (1 Peter 2:5). I cannot get by on the fact that other stones fit in their place and do their work well in supporting the Lord's church while I do not. Matthew 5:14-16, "Ye are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your father who is in heaven". If we by willful neglect shun our responsibilities, if we fail to let our light shine, if we do not act as a lively stone, if we do not bear fruit (John 15:1-8), then know that we will become indifferent, lukewarm and thus incur the wrath of our Lord just as did the brethren in Laodicea.
Charles Hicks
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