Three scriptures need to be put together in a sequence or a continuum, and then we need to measure where we are on the line.

The first is where we would hope to be.  As my mind surveys the standard works, it rests on Hyrum Smith with his integrity and enthusiasm as being representative.  I also think of Nephi, who just before Christ came to the Nephites, worked with such “unwearyingness.”  (Helaman 10:4-5).

“ … give heed with your might … ”  (D&C 12:9).

The middle scripture in the sequence is not a good place to be.  It was written by John in reference to the people in Laodicea:

“ … thou art neither cold nor hot.  I would thou wert cold or hot.  So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth.”  (Rev. 3:15-16).

I love how Micah descriptively depicts the third position:

“They … do evil with both hands earnestly.”  (Micah 7:3).

Ahab and Jezebel are the best scriptural examples of this position, but there are also many such people round about us.

The scriptures contain some fine examples of people who were very cold, but who repented.  Alma, Zeezrom, and Saul come readily to mind.  They became hot.  The Lord can work with a hot person and even with a cold person, but what can be done with one who is lukewarm?  A lukewarm person doesn't care, doesn't commit, doesn't help, doesn't serve, and sees no need to either exert himself or to change.

Rather than doing evil with both hands earnestly, and rather than being spewed out of the Judge's mouth, I would hope to be found giving heed with my might.