"Danger Zone!"

To renew my food handler's permit for working as a volunteer at our local winter shelter, I have been restudying the book for taking the test this coming Saturday. Besides cleanliness, one of the key issues with regard to food remaining healthy (not allowing the opportunity for parasites and bacteria to grow) is for it to be kept at the CORRECT TEMPERATURE. There is a spectrum described as the "Danger Zone" which lies between 41 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Most bacteria does not grow in hot or cold temperatures and therefore for food to remain safe cold foods must be kept 41 degrees or colder and hot foods need to be kept 140 degrees or hotter. Food allowed to remain in the "Danger Zone" allows bacteria to grow fast and create poisons that will cause people to become sick.

Spiritually we need to understand there is a "Danger Zone"! The Lord labeled that zone as "LUKEWARM" where we read the following warning to the church at Laodicea.

"(15) I know your works: you are NEITHER COLD NOR HOT. Would that you were either cold or hot! (16) So, because YOU ARE LUKEWARM, and neither hot nor cold, I WILL SPIT YOU OUT OF MY MOUTH." ( Revelation 3:15-16 ESV)

LUKEWARMNESS made them unpalatable to the Lord. Those who are spiritually cold are easily seen for what they are. Those who are SPIRITUALLY HOT are also clearly seen for what they are and become good contributors to the work of the Lord. However, those who are LUKEWARM are in the "Danger Zone" of being a distraction and creator of confusion with regard to the work of the Lord because it is unclear where they truly stand. They are wishy-washy rather than either solidly against or firmly for the Lord. Therefore these Christians were warned to "BE ZEALOUS AND REPENT." ( Revelation 3:19 ESV)

Water that is cold is very refreshing. A hot cup of tea is good when one is cold or not feeling well. That which is lukewarm can be nauseating or repulsive and is often spit back out when either the cold or hot had been expected. Is our life pleasing to the Lord? Is the manner in which we live leaving a bad or a good taste in His mouth? Is it clear where we stand? May we stay out of the "Danger Zone" by REMAINING ZEALOUS for the Lord and His Will.

Have a great day BEING A HEALTHY CHRISTIAN PALATABLE TO THE LORD!
Carl

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