Looking into the Mirror
But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first.
Revelation 2:4
The beginning of the year is a time of self-reflection. Many people partake in making resolutions to improve upon the previous year. To do that, they have to take an honest look at what went well the prior year, what they struggled with, and how they want to move forward.
In Revelation, we see that Jesus provides this type of evaluation for the seven churches of Asia. He holds up a mirror so they can see themselves as He sees them. He has different messages for different groups. Two churches are living faithfully even under trial (Revelation 2:10, 3:10). The congregation mentioned above has left their first love (Revelation 2:4). Another one similarly is accused of being neither hot nor cold, but lukewarm in their service to God (Revelation 3:15). Two churches struggled with idolatry and sexual immorality (Revelation 2:14, 20). Finally, there was a group who looked alive but were dead (Revelation 3:1). Jesus clarifies to each of these groups what they did well, where they fell short and what they needed to do moving forward.
Our Father understands that we need more than just a yearly evaluation. That is why he has us partake of the Lord’s Supper every week. It is a time to commemorate the life and death of Jesus. In doing so, we have a mirror held up to us. Are we living a life that is worthy for us to be called “Christian”? We have taken up his name, so we should walk as he did. Are we living in a way that would honor his death? His death was to redeem us from sin. Have we removed ourselves from that same sin, or do we treat his death as vain by continuing to live in it?
As we look in this mirror, we can gain encouragement from the words Jesus gave to churches in Revelation. His expectations for all Christians were the same. It did not matter if they were following in his footsteps or had lost their way. They needed to focus on God, follow his will, and overcome (Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26-28; 3:5, 12, 21). Repent if necessary. Stay on the course if they are doing well.
Those commands apply to us as well. If we have been living faithfully, we must carry on no matter what trials come before us. If we have faltered in our walk with God, we must turn back to Him. In resolving to serve God all our hearts, we will be able to spend all of eternity at home with Him.
But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first.
Revelation 2:4