The Daily Ladder S1:8
Lukewarmness and The Narrow Gate
Those who aim at ascending with the body to Heaven, indeed need violence and constant suffering, especially in the early stages of their renunciation (of the world), until our pleasure-loving dispositions and unfeeling hearts attain to love of God and chastity by manifest sorrow.
— Saint John Climacus, The Ladder of Divine Ascent, Step 1:8
Let the 18th verse listed in this entry set the tone for our journey.
“You are neither cold nor hot... Because you are lukewarm... I will spit you out of My mouth.” —Revelation 3:15-16
These are words given by God through the Holy Spirit, spoken by the prophets. Before reading further, do not let the devil convince you that this message does not apply to you. The greatest saints warn us: when you think you are most worthy, you are likely the least.
We must evaluate our worthiness before God with great fear, reflecting on our proclaimed love for Him. He, the Giver of All Good Things, provides for our wretched souls despite our distracted and ungrateful demeanor. Like rabid dogs, we bite the Hand that feeds us. Once fed, we walk away. We are poor beggars who receive endlessly and give little thanks. We are servants in the servants' quarters beside the Kingdom of God—rescued from battle, fed, clothed, and yet ungrateful.
We laze in our labor and deem His love inadequate, always seeking more. We build up our own riches because God's riches are not enough for us.
If it is faith that saves us—do we really believe, if thoughts of the One do not precede every action or thought? If we do not thank Him for each moment He gives us breath, do we truly love Him? Perhaps we do not understand the extent to which He provides. Perhaps we blame Him for our suffering—He who was sinless and died for our sins.
When we are doomed to Hell, it is not by God’s punishment, but by our own choice. God forgives, but we continually choose Hell through our actions. If we do not consciously serve God, then who do we serve? If He is not before us, to whom do we have our backs turned?
It is not God who kills the addict—but He is the one who whispers, “Stop.” He weeps in the hearts of their loved ones, urging them to come home. Yet the addict often chooses Hell. Why? Because it is easier to remain in Hell than to climb out of it.
You may say, “I’m not in Hell.” Do not be deceived. The devil can make Hell feel pleasant—like warm water to a frog about to be boiled.
Check the water you wade in. Distrust your own judgment, for the path is often distorted.
The following should be taken as a warning to the lazy, and a promise to the righteous:
1. Matthew 7:13–14
“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many.
For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.”
2. Luke 13:24
“Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.”
(The word "strive" in Greek is ἀγωνίζεσθε — agonize.)
3. Matthew 7:21–23
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of My Father who is in heaven.
On that day many will say to Me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name...?’
And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness.’”
4. Matthew 22:14
“For many are called, but few are chosen.”
5. Matthew 25:1–13 (Parable of the Ten Virgins)
Five were wise, five were foolish. The door was shut, and the foolish were not allowed in.
“Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”
6. Matthew 25:31–46 (The Judgment of the Nations)
Those who did not serve the least of His brethren are cast into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.
7. Matthew 5:20
“Unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”
8. Matthew 18:3
“Unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”
9. John 15:6
“If anyone does not abide in Me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.”
WORDS FROM THE APOSTLES
10. 1 Peter 4:18
“If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
11. Philippians 2:12
“Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”
12. Hebrews 10:26–27
“If we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins,
but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries.”
13. Hebrews 12:14
“Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.”
14. 2 Corinthians 13:5
“Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves.”
15. Romans 11:20–22
“Do not become proud, but fear.
For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will He spare you...
Note then the kindness and the severity of God.”
16. Galatians 6:7–8
“Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.”
17. James 2:17
“So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”
18. Revelation 3:15–16
“You are neither cold nor hot... Because you are lukewarm... I will spit you out of My mouth.”
Christ is in you and in me. He is all around us. Call upon Him to open your eyes, and soon you will see.