Remember Lot's wife. Whosoever shall seek to gain his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it (Lk. 17:32-33).

Whenever I think of lukewarm Christians this passage comes to mind. It serves as a warning. Lot's wife, though nameless, was lukewarm in her attitude toward God and the salvation he offered when the "cities of the plain" were to be destroyed (Gen. 19). She began her journey to safety with her husband and daughters; but the farther they went from Sodom the more she lagged behind. As a result she perished along with the inhabitants of Sodom.

Implied in these words is the fact "that Lot's wife was seeking to hang on to her life in Sodom, and that, consequently, she lost her life in its destruction. The word 'look back' has the connotation of 'looking intently.' It might possibly be rendered 'lagged back,' or maybe even 'returned back.' In any case, she was not with her husband and daughters, so that only she perished" (Henry Morris, The Genesis Record, 355-356).

Lot's wife efforts to save herself from the destruction of the cities lack the determination as seen in her husband and daughters. Her heart was still in the city. She evidently did not appreciate all that had been done for her salvation (Gen. 18:16-33). She almost made it to safety; but sadly she allowed her vigilance to relax. As in the words of the writer of Hebrews, she came "short of the grace of God" (Heb. 12:15, NASB).

Jesus gave this warning for our good. As Lot's wife was destroyed because of her divided loyalty, so too, will professed Christians who seek to hang on to the things of the world. It is sad to see such individuals who are lukewarm in their attendance, giving of their means, personal evangelism and general support of the local work. They are making an effort to reach safety; but their heart is torn between Christ and the things of the world. As time passes they linger farther and farther behind until they become unfaithful. In the end they will perish along with the people of the world.

If these words apply to you it is not too late to catch up. But you must hurry as none knows what the future holds. Jesus spoke of lukewarm Christians in Revelation 3:15,16. His remarks were not complimentary: ". . . because thou art lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spew (vomit) thee out of my mouth." This is not a nice thought, but at least you know what Jesus thinks of lukewarm individuals. Determine now to get "hot" for the Lord and be totally committed to his work.

Guardian of Truth XXXVI: 16, p. 481
August 20, 1992