Divine Report Cards

If an engine and transmission, four wheels, some glass, comfy seats and other sundry parts are gathered together and assembled in just the right way, a vehicle is manufactured. The benefit is a mode of transportation.

If folks who believe in the Triune Lord and Jesus as their savior gather together regularly, a church exists. The benefit is a method for spreading the Gospel and carrying out missions for those in need.  

Both began with individual parts or persons. But assembled together these parts or persons create an entity with a purpose.

In the Book of Revelation, Jesus dictates to John seven letters to seven churches. Letters with messages for those specific churches in that particular time but also for all churches through the ages.

These letters are for the corporate church body, sort of like a divinely judged report card and in some cases, with strong advice on how to improve or turn around critical areas of concern.    

• But if the messages and grades are for the church, then aren't they also for us personally since we are the individual persons that make up the church?
• What can we learn from these seven letters / report cards that will help create more enlightened believers?
• What lessons can we glean for our lives from Christ warnings?

Let's take a look. Two churches receive failing grades and dire warnings.

                Jesus warns the church of Sardis which is lacking growth to wake up and save what's alive. Remember their blessings, obey and repent.       

                He tells the church of Laodicea, that He rebukes and disciplines those He loves. He's knocking at the door but the church is too conceited and compromised to care. Not hot, nor cold. Just lukewarm. Be earnest and repent.

Three churches receive good grades but also some low marks.

                He commends the church of Ephesus for withstanding persecution, good deeds and avoiding toleration of evil men, but He warns them to remember their first love, repent and do things they did at first.

                Jesus commends the church of Pergamum for remaining true to His name but warns them not to be corrupted by false teaching which leads to compromised faith. Repent or be judged.  

                He commends the church of Thyatira for their deeds, love, faith, service and perseverance but He warns them to be careful of tolerating evil and idolatry in their midst.

Two churches receive all good grades.

                He commends Smyrna for their richness even during afflictions and poverty. He encourages them to remain faithful in persecution even to death.

                He commends the church of Philadelphia for their deeds, even though weak they remain strong by keeping His word and staying faithful to His name. He rewards them with an open door or opportunity to minister for Him. He encourages them to hold onto what they have.

Directly and concisely, Jesus grades the seven churches with praises and warnings.

So what can we learn individually from these evaluations since we make up the church corporately?

• The Don’ts—Don’t be conceited. Don't be corrupted by false teaching which leads to compromised faith. Don’t tolerate evil and idolatry.

• The Do's—Wake up. Remember your blessings. Obey. Remember your first love. Repent. Remain faithful in persecution. Be earnest. Hold onto what you have. Accept the ministry opportunities that He gives or the doors that He opens for you.

I'm far from perfect but my prayer is to be more like a Smyrna and Philadelphia Christian. And because I believe Christ died for me, I trust one day He will be grading me on the curve. 

That gives me hope and puts a smile on my face. I hope yours too.

Does the message of one church speak to you more than the others? Do you enjoy studying the Book of Revelation? Curious minds want to know. Please share.

Tammy Van Gils is a writer, blogger, and co-owner of S & N Paint Contractors, Inc. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Word Weavers International. In the Richmond area, she is a member of The Christian Writers Hub and Word Weavers Richmond. Visit her Facebook Page, Pinterest and Twitter @Tammyvangils.