Why do you suppose Jesus Christ encountered his churches with so specifically in Revelation 2? The Bible tells us why: So that “all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and
minds," Jesus says, "and I will repay each of you according to your deeds” (Rev 2:23).
In the final analysis local churches don’t belong
to a denominational headquarters, but are living components of the Body of
Christ, and as such do well to develop the balance found in Christ’s
personality. Paul concurs, “so that they may have the full riches of complete
understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ,
in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Col 2:2-3).
To
that end, compass personality theory suggests that churches, as temporal
expressions of God’s community on earth, can with good benefit discern and
correct any tendencies to exaggerate one or more Self Compass points to the
exclusion of others.
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| Scriptural Self Compass |
By
purposefully initiating congregational stretches into lesser used compass
points, Christ’s personality wholeness becomes more fully manifested “to equip
his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up
until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God
and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and
blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and
craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming” (Eph 4:12-14).
To
the church in Pergamum, Christ offers this salute: “I know where you live—where
Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your
faith in me, not even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put
to death in your city—where Satan lives. Nevertheless, I have a few things
against you: There are some among you who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who
taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin so that they ate food sacrificed
to idols and committed sexual immorality” (Rev 2:12-14).
The
Pergamum congregation has manifested the Love and Weakness compass points,
being faithful witnesses to Christ and enduring the vulnerability of severe
persecution. Now Jesus wants them to round out their compass virtues by
confronting false teachers (Assertion) and standing firm in the Gospel
(Strength).
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| Standing Firm |
A
church that exaggerates the Love compass point takes on people-pleasing and
theatrical-histrionic traits. There will be much friendliness, tolerance, and
even service to the community through caring projects. The services will be
warm, compassionate, and enthusiastic. So what’s wrong with this?
Assertion is
missing, which can cause interpersonal naivety about sin, people not knowing
how to handle negative emotions and darker realities of human nature like
egotism, aggression, and swindling.
Christ in his earthly life knew the essence
of human nature and didn’t trust people’s perceptions carte blanche. He cared
for the disciples but sometimes reproved them. He didn’t court people’s favor
or placate them, but spoke the truth in love. Following in his footsteps, the
Love-stuck church learns to teach and live the whole Word of God, including
learning how to diplomatically confront unrighteousness, stand fast against
eroding cultural influences, and balance Love with Assertion in order to deepen
often superficial relationships.
For more, read:
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| Christian Personality Theory |
