“I know your works.”  These words from our Lord are echoed seven times in the second and third chapters of the book of Revelation. As Jesus reveals a message to each of the seven churches of Asia by the pen of John, he begins each time by saying, “I know your works.” At times these words are comforting, yet to some they are convicting. Churches of Christ would do well today to heed the words revealed to these seven churches. The messages contained therein ring true today. Each congregation of the Lord’s church can identify with at least one of these seven messages. The leaders of each congregation would do well to examine these two chapters with this question in mind: “If Jesus were speaking to our congregation, what would He say?” I expect the answer to that would be found in one of the seven letters to the churches of Asia. The challenge would be to honestly and objectively examine the church in light of these passages and then work to be sure that the message Jesus would speak to that congregation would be a commending one and not a condemning one.

Another important consideration in light of these letters is that each Christian is responsible for his or her individual works, or lack thereof. The church at Sardis was condemned because her works were found lacking before God. A severe warning to repent was issued to this congregation. Even so, there were those at Sardis who were faithful to God because they had not allowed the unfaithfulness of others to soil them. Jesus commends these and promises them white robes in Heaven. When speaking to the angel of the church of Pergamos, Jesus praised their good works and faithfulness yet condemned certain ones who taught or followed false doctrine. He promised that if they did not repent He would come and fight against them. This illustrates that although congregations are judged according to their works and faithfulness, each individual is judged based upon their own faithfulness and works.

The challenge before us then is to examine these scriptures in light of God’s message to us as a congregation and as individuals. A church may be faithful and full of good works, yet members of that congregation will be judged based upon their own faithfulness. You cannot enter into Heaven on the coattails of others. Simply being a member of a sound congregation full of good works is not sufficient to please the Master. The case could be made that such increases the individual’s responsibility because the opportunities to serve abound and we are accountable for how we capitalize on opportunities allowed us to serve God.

Imagine Jesus wrote you a letter that began with the words, “I know your works…” What would follow?