The answer is: Laodicea

Rev 3 vs 14-17

Laodicea, the city behind one of Jesus' sharper critiques in Revelation 3:14-17, stands as a metaphorical warning to watchfulness and commitment. Nestled in modern Turkey, Laodicea was an affluent city, famous for its wealth, fine textiles, and medical school that produced an eye ointment. Ironically, despite its material abundance, the church there is depicted as spiritually impoverished—a striking contradiction!

Jesus said that their lukewarmness made Him want to spit them out, a vivid image likely influenced by the city's hot springs nearby in Hierapolis and the cold brooks of Colossae—one was invigorating, the other refreshing, while they ended up with water that was tepid and not appealing. This situation serves as a call to believers occupying wealth and comfort, reminding them of the necessity to remain fervently committed and engaged in their spiritual lives.

Interestingly, Laodicea lacked many of the distinct spiritual characteristics lauded in other churches. While other communities were either affirmatively celebrated for their virtues or noted for their sufferings, Laodicea’s mention conveys an eerie sense of complacency. It allows us to ponder on the essence of faith; is it merely an addition to our lives, or do we actively fortify it even amidst affluence?

Lukewarm relates closely neon’s principles of motivation and purpose, questioning, at its core, the drive we harness in our lives—truly a timeless meditation.