What Should I Do If I’m Feeling Complacent?

A Few Thoughts to Consider

Do you ever feel like your relationship with God is lukewarm?

This is an issue the Book of Revelation tackles. It’s no secret this book is one of the most difficult to interpret in the entire Bible. The idealist approach sees Revelation as conveying timeless spiritual principles but often neglects its relevance to the first century. The historicist view interprets Revelation as a detailed map of history up to Christ’s return, though its connections are inconsistent and less favored today.

The preterist perspective focuses on Revelation’s first-century context, though it risks dismissing future prophecies that apocalyptic literature often addresses. The futurist view emphasizes future predictions and is widely popular now but can overlook the original first-century context of the text. “Many scholars prefer a more eclectic approach, starting with the first-century application (like preterists), looking for enduring principles (like idealists), and recognizing some future elements (like futurists).”^[1]

Still, while there is some dispute, most scholars today say Revelation “was written during the reign of Domitian around 95 A.D.”^[2] Known for his authoritarian reign, Domitian sought to consolidate power and demanded to be worshiped as a god, adopting the title “lord and god.” During this time, Christians under his rule faced a world steeped in idolatry and political oppression.

As one who likely fell under his persecution, John wrote Revelation while exiled on the island of Patmos, located in the Aegean Sea. Patmos was used as a place for political and religious prisoners, and it was there, amidst isolation, that John received the visions recorded in Revelation.

The Book of Revelation contrasts two cities: Babylon, representing the seductive, idolatrous world system, and the New Jerusalem, symbolizing the hope of God’s eternal kingdom. “The focus of the book is exhortation to the church community to witness to Christ in the midst of a compromising, idolatrous church and world.”^[3] In chapters 1-3, John addresses seven churches grappling with the tension between the promise of Christ’s kingdom and the harsh reality of evil’s continued dominance. For the churches in Revelation, the threats were both external and internal. Persecution loomed for some, while others faced the subtler danger of spiritual complacency and compromise.

The church at Ephesus is praised for rejecting false teachers, but Revelation 2:4 says, “You have abandoned the love you had at first.” Smyrna is commended for enduring persecution and encouraged to remain faithful. Pergamum holds fast to Christ's name but must reject false teachings. Thyatira shows love and perseverance but is warned against tolerating immorality. Sardis, spiritually dead despite its reputation, is called to wake up and repent. Philadelphia, faithful despite weakness, is assured of God’s protection and eternal reward.

The warning to Laodicea might be the most quoted and God says through John in Revelation 3:15-16 says, ¹⁵ “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were cold or hot. ¹⁶ So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you out of my mouth.”