5 Subtle Signs You’ve Become Lukewarm in Your Faith

We don’t always notice it happening. Life gets busy, routines take over, and before we know it, our faith feels more like a checkbox than a connection. In Revelation 3:16, God warns against being lukewarm—neither hot nor cold. Lukewarmness reflects a heart that’s drifting, distracted, or disconnected. If you’ve been feeling spiritually “off” lately, you’re not alone… and you’re not stuck. Let’s look at five subtle signs that your faith may have gone lukewarm—and how to turn the fire back on.

“But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth!” —Revelation 3:16 (NLT)

1. Your quiet time is… quiet (or nonexistent)

You can’t remember the last time you sat with your Bible without multitasking or rushing. Prayer feels like a to-do instead of a conversation. You might go to church on Sundays but forget what the sermon was about by Monday morning.

How to reignite:Start with 5 intentional minutes a day. A verse. A prayer. A pause. Don’t underestimate the power of small, faithful steps.

2. You’re coasting spiritually. No growth, no stretching

Faith once challenged and changed you. Now? It feels safe. Comfortable. Predictable. If your faith walk hasn’t stretched you in a while, it may be time to check if you’ve gone spiritually stagnant.

Reminder:Jesus never called us to a life of spiritual autopilot. He called us to follow, which means moving forward, not standing still.

3. Conviction is rare—and so are course corrections

Lukewarm faith often shows up as complacency. Things that once stirred your spirit or convicted your heart don’t seem to bother you anymore. You might brush off things that pull you further from God instead of course-correcting.

Pause and ask:“Lord, is there something I’m ignoring or justifying that’s creating distance between us?”

4. You’ve lost your joy or compassion for others

Lukewarm faith makes us inward-focused. You stop seeing others the way Jesus sees them. Serving feels inconvenient. Worship feels flat. Your spiritual joy has faded into routine or burnout.

The fix? Look outward.Start praying for someone else’s needs. Send a message of encouragement. Serve someone in a small way today. Compassion has a way of reigniting joy.

5. You rely on feelings over faithfulness

Faith isn’t always a feeling, but lukewarm living is often ruled by them. You might only engage with God when you “feel” like it, rather than out of devotion. Obedience fades when it’s inconvenient.

Truth to remember:“So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.” —Romans 10:17 (NLT)

Feelings fade, but faith built on God’s Word stands firm.

If any of these hit home, take heart. God desires a close relationship with you, and He’s not waiting at the finish line—He’s walking with you every step of the way.

It’s not too late to fan your flame.

Let’s be on fire for Christ!

Amber Dabney Smith

Your Hope Dealer