Having born in one of the mainstream Christian congregations in Kerala, I grew up being proud about the heritage, the heavenly worship music, and revering of the church fathers, which was quite literally the pride of the community. Largely a community of proud cultural and casteist heritage, “the 99 sheep”, was seemingly never lost.

The religious setting which was more legalistic and ritualistic in nature, where the divide between you and Christ was as thick as the altar’s curtain. Don’t get me wrong, I admire the beauty and the sanctity with which the traditional churches approach the liturgy, but if you are one who could see the simplicity of the relationship aspect with Christ through all that, you are good where you are.

I grew up to finally realize church is not an institution, particularly not a heritage one should idolize. Truth of the matter is we become the church when we decide to follow Christ intimately, personally and in truth. Out of the relationship with Christ, blooms the church, where a relationship with fellow believers becomes brotherhood or sisterhood.

I remember being afraid of this conviction, even praying not to be consumed by it. Little did I know the ignorance I had, was the one that consumed me.  Most people are afraid of this because change requires to give up our innate nature of ethical transgression. But, let me remind you, there is no better therapist than Christ on this.

The risen Lord, Jesus Christ, is waiting with open arms to build that relationship with you and me. The true essence of a relationship is a profound connection, and Christ offers us infinite grace as our savior, friend, parent, teacher, and so much more, because he cares that sin does not separate from the love of God. All he needs you to “start” that relationship is to acknowledge He is the son of the God most high. God will set up a home in your heart and you in Him (1 John 4:15) and the Holy spirit teaches you and helps you in your spiritual pursuit. (John 14:26)

Christ appeals us not to be lukewarm (Revelation 3:16). We are not to undervalue his death on the cross. Neglecting to understand the death on the cross, where Christ took all our sins has greater relevance, which can be understood by divine wisdom, not by the wisdom of the world. This is where you should pray for wisdom, which God gives us freely. (James 1:5)

Some questions to reflect whether you are in a lukewarm position in your faith.

Do you strive to read the Bible everyday to understand the nature, character, purpose and will of God?

Do you repent with a gentle reminder from the Holy Spirit?

Do you have a thankful nature despite the circumstances?

Do you find yourself valuing obedience to God?

Do you pursue the righteousness of God?

Do you understand the purpose of suffering in Christ?

If you are proud of anything other than Christ, you are in a position of idolizing what you are proudly showcasing. It doesn’t matter what congregation or community you are born into, the value, the “surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:8) should become the goal of a Christian.

And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. (Matthew 6:7)

And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. (Isaiah 11:2)