An Appeal for Zeal

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” (Revelation 3:20 NKJV)

We used to have a “ptomaine cook” in the family.

This cousin, who passed away several years ago, had grown up with an abusive father. Her home life probably contributed to her obsession to avoid wasting any money, and she was unwilling to throw away any food—regardless of how old it got.

Once, when she visited my in-laws, she brought them a homemade cake to enjoy after dinner. While the cousin was out of the room, my in-laws sampled it and noticed it had small black seeds baked into it. My father-in-law abruptly stopped eating and began muttering, “Hmmm…oh…nnnn.” He then took the remaining cake pieces outside and buried them in the yard, to prevent their relative from finding her cake tossed in the trash can.

The cousin had used old flour…full of little black bugs. Cooking with ingredients-gone-bad is always a recipe for disaster.

Jesus felt that way about the church in Laodicea, a city located between Colossae (known for its cold water) and Hierapolis (famous for its hot springs). The Laodiceans used aqueducts to bring in water from both places, but by the time the water arrived, it was lukewarm—useless, unpleasant, unpalatable.

Our Lord used this situation as He described the believers there: “So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.” (Revelation 3:16)

Ew. Those are condemning words. 

The problem for the Laodiceans was a lack of zeal. They were a wealthy lot, settled into a comfortable lifestyle, but their spiritual state was neglected. They had no clue that they were “wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked” in their sin-ridden lives.

In short, these folks were unappealing…like our cousin’s cake.

Jesus provided counsel on what they needed to recover their original fervor in following Him. He offered them His “gold,” refined by fire, so that they could become rich in His salvation. He also promised white garments of righteousness to cover their shame and prescribed “eye salve” to open their eyes to His glory.

His rebuke came with an additional offer—His presence to dwell with them. Jesus announced that He stood at the door of their souls, knocking. Those who heard His voice and opened the door would be blessed as He entered to dine with them, in the intimate setting of a meal together. What a blessing, indeed, that the Lord of the Universe would deign to give them that privilege!

Friend, are you at a point where your zeal for following Jesus is flagging? Have you lost the eagerness and enthusiasm you once knew in sharing His good news? Has your love for Him grown lukewarm?

I confess I’m one of those addicted to my creature comforts. I don’t have the same pluck I’ve had in the past to pursue Christ’s kingdom work. My passion is lukewarm at times now, simmering over coals instead of a blazing fire. 

Jesus makes it clear that we don’t have an option to ignore Him. His words are given as commandments, calling us to be zealous and repent. For us to remain lackluster in our spiritual walk is disobedience. 

But His offers still stand today. His Holy Spirit is ready to encourage us, to renew our hearts. His rewards of genuine fellowship are waiting for us. How can we resist these beautiful love-gifts?

As you wash your hands this week, take note of the water temperature—hot, cold, or lukewarm—and consider the current state of your own spiritual journey. Ask Jesus to fan the flames in your heart to seek Him, His counsel, and His inspiration in worship and testimony.

When you answer His knock at your soul’s door, welcome Him wholeheartedly to sup with you in the infinite joy of His love. Unlike our cousin’s inedible cake, an amazing banquet of His eternally abundant life awaits you in the zeal of His presence!

Jesus, how awestruck I am to realize that You, Son of our Creator God, would call me to be Your follower. Lord, I confess that my attention to Your holy mission has grown lukewarm over the years. Forgive me for ignoring my relationship with You. Wake up my heart! Foster my enthusiasm with your love-gifts of refined gold and a cloak of Your righteousness. Open my eyes to Your truth, and open my heart to dwell with You. In Your joy and holy name, Amen.

Nancy C. Williams is a Christian wife/mom with a writing career spanning more than 40 years in business and journalism. Williams is the author of the novel To Love a Falcon and the devotional book A Crocus in the Desert: Devotions, Stories, and Prayers for Women Experiencing Infertility. Her blogs are featured on Crossmap.com and AriseDaily. To follow Nancy’s posts and news, go to her home page at NancyCWilliams.com and subscribe at the bottom. 

© Copyright 2025 Nancy C. Williams (text and photography). Unless otherwise noted, Scripture verses are taken from the New King James Version®, Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. #lukewarmchurch #spiritualwalk #foodpoisoning #zeal