Wordnet defines the word ‘extreme’ as: “the point located farthest from the middle of something.”
Not long ago, someone suggested that being extreme was not a good thing. In general terms, I tend to agree that moderation in many things is likely the safest path there is. However, there is one area in which it is not only unsafe but dangerous NOT to be extreme – being lukewarm or in the middle just doesn’t cut it.
In the Book of Revelation (3:15-17), Jesus said, “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm – neither hot nor cold – I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.” When it comes to being committed to Him, we are called to be extreme, faithful to the end, unrelenting and uncompromising.
Being extreme has never really been an issue for me. I have done many things to the extreme – most of them not very healthy. I either loved too much or hated too hard. I did too much or I did nothing. I believed hook, line and sinker or not at all. You get the idea. So, you would think that when I was born again that I would have no problem being extreme about my commitment.
Truth be told, it was difficult to some degree to be completely honest about my devotion to the Word of God, in its entirety as it is. Lukewarm. Why? Because expressing one’s opinions or beliefs on certain subjects is considered “politically incorrect.” And while it’s true that I have not hidden my Christianity, I have secretly hoped that certain questions would not be brought up at the risk of making me subject to scorn or ridicule. I was ashamed of that and I have recently repented.
It was easy to quote scripture and provide sound interpretation of what God’s Word says about those “hot potato” subjects. The truth or dare, hot/cold question of the day was “but what do you think or feel about the subject?” To unequivocally and unapologetically take a committed stand and say, “I agree completely with the Word.” That is a risk that I am finally able and most willing to make. I will not waiver nor will I any longer avoid the hard questions. I will not be lukewarm about my faith, values or beliefs.
The fact is that Christ was never lukewarm about His love for us. He was never lukewarm being about His Father’s work. He was never lukewarm about the cross. He wants us to love the way He loved. HOT! HOT! HOT! He wants us to be committed to the Word, every word as it is written – verbatim – always.
