If you’re reading this, I want you to know: this isn’t a “beat-you-over-the-head” kind of message. It’s a loving wake-up call. Jesus never called us to a life of indifference or complacency. He didn’t say, “Find a nice balance where you can kind of be a Christian when it’s convenient.” No, He said, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” (Matthew 16:24).
And yet, there are so many of us walking through life with a half-hearted faith—lukewarm. We’ve convinced ourselves that just enough is enough. But here’s the truth: God doesn’t want your lukewarm devotion. He wants your whole heart. Revelation 3:16 warns, “So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.”
In this article, we’re going to dive into five signs you might be a lukewarm Christian—without even realizing it—and, more importantly, how you can turn that around. This isn’t about guilt or shame; it’s about realigning your heart with the passionate love Christ deserves and calling you to a deeper, more fulfilling walk with Him.
So let’s get started, and may this be a moment where your spiritual temperature rises.
1. You’re Comfortable in Your Sin.
The Sign:
You know certain behaviors or attitudes are wrong, but you’ve grown used to them. Maybe you justify them, telling yourself it’s no big deal. Maybe you even feel a little convicted, but quickly push it aside because, well, everyone else is doing it too.
How to Fix It:
Jesus didn’t die to forgive us so that we could stay the same. When we become followers of Christ, there’s a real change that needs to happen in our hearts. Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
If sin is no longer convicting you, it’s time to check your heart. The first step toward change is to acknowledge the sin, not make peace with it. Ask God to reveal areas where you’ve compromised and give you the strength to walk in holiness. Don’t settle for less than what God wants for you.
2. You Prioritize Everything Over Jesus.
The Sign:
Your schedule, your goals, your plans—they all seem more important than your relationship with Jesus. Maybe you’re “too busy” for prayer or Bible study. Maybe church attendance is optional, or it’s just a ritual, not a passion. You know deep down, though, that your priorities are out of whack.
How to Fix It:
In Matthew 6:33, Jesus says, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” This is a command, not a suggestion. When you make Jesus your first priority, everything else falls into place.
Take a hard look at your daily routine. Are there areas where you can be more intentional about putting Jesus first? Carve out time to read His Word, to pray, and to serve. Realign your heart by asking Him to be the center of every part of your life.
3. You’re Afraid to Stand Out.
The Sign:
You’re more concerned with fitting in than standing up for what’s right. When the world pushes an agenda that contradicts Scripture, you’re silent or try to avoid the topic altogether. You’d rather blend in than be labeled “radical” or “out of touch.”
How to Fix It:
Jesus was clear in Matthew 5:14-16: “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.” Being a disciple of Jesus means you’re called to be different, to stand out as a beacon of truth.
It’s time to stop worrying about how others perceive you and start living boldly for Christ. That might look like speaking the truth in love, standing up for the vulnerable, or sharing your faith when it’s uncomfortable. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you courage to be a witness, no matter the cost.
4. You’re Spiritually Stagnant.
The Sign:
You’ve hit a plateau in your spiritual walk. You go to church, maybe attend a Bible study, but you don’t feel any deeper connection to God. Your prayer life is dry. You don’t experience the joy, peace, or power that Scripture talks about.
How to Fix It:
Spiritual growth doesn’t happen by accident—it takes intention. If you’re feeling stagnant, it’s a sign that you need to invest in your relationship with God. James 4:8 encourages us, “Come near to God and he will come near to you.”
Start by setting aside time each day to pray, read Scripture, and simply be in His presence. Seek out people who can encourage you in your faith. Don’t be content with the status quo—ask God to revive your soul and lead you into deeper intimacy with Him.
5. You Don’t Truly Love Others.
The Sign:
You say you love people, but your actions don’t reflect it. Maybe you gossip, judge others, or hold onto unforgiveness. Perhaps you’re indifferent to the needs of those around you—your neighbors, your coworkers, or even the marginalized.
How to Fix It:
The Bible is clear: love is not just a feeling—it’s an action. Jesus told us in John 13:35, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” True love looks like sacrifice, grace, and kindness—even when it’s hard.
Ask God to fill your heart with His love for others. Start with small acts of kindness and extend grace, even when it’s difficult. Let your love be unconditional, the way Christ’s love is for you.
Conclusion
Lukewarm Christianity is not what Jesus called us to. He didn’t call us to a life of comfort and compromise. He called us to a radical, transforming faith that impacts every corner of our lives.
But here’s the good news: it’s never too late to change. If you’ve found yourself identifying with any of these signs, don’t be discouraged. Today is the day to choose a new path. With God’s help, you can reignite your passion, restore your priorities, and walk in the freedom Christ has for you.
Take a moment to reflect. Pray. And ask God to lead you back to a place of deep, unwavering faith. He’s waiting for you with open arms, ready to transform your life.