We currently reside in an apartment, this apartment has been amazing to us. One problem area I have is the shower. Since day one of moving in, I have yet to find the perfect water temperature. Some people prefer their water to be so hot it could melt skin off, some may prefer a cold or cooler temperature, and then there are those of us who prefer not lukewarm but the temperature between lukewarm and scalding. Honestly I have no other word for this temperature other than…. just right. Sort of like Goldie and her porridge. I feel a little bias about this temperature because it’s the one I choose. I know, by now you’re thinking; hey this isn’t really related to encouragement. Just try to bare with me through the story. ‘Though this be madness, yet there’s method in’t’ -Polonius 

I recently got selected to read a soon to be book by Craig Groeschel named Divine Direction.  (which you can pre-order by clicking that link) While reading this so far amazing book, something small stuck out to me. It wasn’t even related to direction, or was it? In a small sentence the words lukewarm Christians hit me pretty hard. I shoved that to the side to finish reading the chapter. I’ve heard the term before, and as Pastor Craig said, I too have been there. I’ve heard teachings on the term lukewarm as well. So it got me thinking about my water temperature issue with this shower. It has scalding hot, cold/cool and lukewarm. It does not have the “just right” temperature I’ve been seeking. In thinking that, it lead me to this question…. Does God feel the same about us as Christ followers?

Let me explain this in more detail. I just feel the need to remind you guys, I’m just an average gal writing. My mission is not set out to condemn but to encourage. Back to the story, the church today (as in us the people) have all of these temperatures. Cool/cold Christians who think as long as you have a good set of morals you’re set. Scalding hot Christians who think if I yell Hell hard enough it will scare you into Christ. Lukewarm Christians who are neither hot or cold but instead are stagnant (REV 3:16), meaning you are complacent. The “just right-ers” who I now see as those who are pursuing Christ daily and are concerned for those around them placing God first in their lives so His love exudes through them. Again, I am not here to condemn so please don’t feel I am bashing any of the mentioned above. Instead see it as encouragement to find your Christ “just right” temperature.

What I mean by that is this, while you are in the shower the water does not turn itself on (unless you have a “smart”shower of course…<– do these exist yet?). You physically have to turn the water on to your desired temperature. Metaphorically, the same could be said with your relationship with Christ. Imagine you being in control of the temperature and flow of the water. The knob being God’s word, and the water being your relationship with Christ. The more you turn the knob, the more flow you receive. You find that “just right” temperature then spend time in the water (building your relationship with Christ through His word) and you walk out of there feeling peaceful and refreshed (God’s spirit).

I really hope you receive this the way it is intended.

Prayer: 

We don’t want to do just enough to get us by, we want to strive for the greatness you have planned for us and through us. If we have been or are becoming a temperature not becoming of your desire, please show us. After you’ve made us aware, please direct us in a way to find that “just right” temperature. Allow our desires to be your desires. In Jesus name. -Amen.