I'm a big tea drinker. My favorite is iced tea - and I mean iced.
I don't just want it cold, I require numerous cubes clinking together. I was recently introduced to mate' tea, which is supposed to have numerous health benefits, but keeps me entertained because it comes in so many delicious flavors.
Most recently I've been on a kick with the spearmint, passion berry and ginger peach. Although I brew it in the coffee maker, I usually chill and drink it with ice.
I can drink hot tea as well, but only while it's steaming. I simply cannot abide tepid tea. It's just wrong!
In Revelation, John warns the church at Laodicea that their "lukewarm" or tepid spirituality is displeasing to God.
God says because they are neither hot - perhaps passionate about the gospel or bringing healing through it, nor cold - refreshing others through Christ, he would spit them out of his mouth.
That makes sense. That's what I do with tepid tea. I'm sure my tepid spirituality is much more repulsive to God than that tea that has cooled off while sitting on the nightstand.
I keep the tea at the temperature I enjoy by drinking it immediately while it's hot, or diligently keeping it cool. Can I do the same spiritually?
If I am passionate about carrying out God's will by loving others and sharing His Word or by offering refreshment (perhaps even a hot cup or cold glass of tea) to those around me who need to be bolstered, then I can stay in the safe temperature zone.
As you take your ten minutes this week, do it with a cup of tea and a prayer to be on fire or ice for the Lord.