Lukewarm Christians

I heard the term "Lukewarm Christians" on the radio, and the passage from Revelations is as follows:

"You are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were either cold or hot. So because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I am about to spit you out of My mouth. For you say 'I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing.' You don’t realize that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked." - Rev 3:14-19

If one were to stereotype our Indian Orthodox community as a whole, that would be the perfect label i.e., lukewarm. As Malayalees, every Tom, Dick and Harry (or Thomachan, Raju and Babukutty) has an opinion, everyone wants to be heard ... but when it comes to action and commitment - nada. zilch. zero.

And as 1st generation, we often criticize our parent's generation ... but sad reality is a major cause of the current condition of the Church falls on our shoulder.

This afternoon, I heard of 2 more kids in their 20s who left the Church. Ironically, both were MGOCSM leaders. In their new Church, they are regularly attending service and various functions, doing their small group thing, tithing and supporting their new church. Getting baptized again, and then frowning upon sacraments like infant Baptism. All in the name of "non-denominational" Christianity ...

What is wrong with us that we can't realize that by staying together so much can be accomplished in the name of Christ? There are so many like-minded Christians in our Indian Orthodox Church, but for some reason they either remain passive (or cold), or get "hot" but then leave the Church.

The others who remain for the most part continue to stay lukewarm ... and our Church structure is perfect for these lazy people. It's hard to criticize too much as I was in that position as recent as last year, until one of the Seminarians (Diju Skariah) opened my eyes. Hopefully by lifting the cloud of ignorance and understanding what it means to be Orthodox Christian, more can get active and remain in the Church.

But, very demoralizing to look around and see the leaders of what could have been an incredible Church doing wonders in the name of Christ ... *sigh*

source: http://one-christ.blogspot.com/2007/11/our-lukewarm-indian-orthodox-church.html