Week 51 Revelation
Since it was first written John’s revelation has been read by two-thousand years’ worth of churches. But back in the beginning it was only addressed to seven congregations in the Roman province of Asia.
I notice that the seven churches are different – each has its own quirks & talents & tastes & gaffs & practices & idiosyncrasies. Different ingredients mixed and baked into different-tasting congregations.
I notice some churches are qualitatively better than others. For example I don’t think anything negative is said about Smyrna or Philadelphia. And nothing good is said about Laodicea.
I notice some churches have serious disabilities. Ephesus doesn’t love God or each other. Pergamum & Thyatira tolerate idol-worship and immorality. Sardis has a fine public reputation but the fact is Sardis is dead.
I notice conflicting combinations of strength & weakness. Thyatira is loving & faithful & service-oriented…but they like bad teaching and they act evilly.
I notice directional differences. Five congregations are warned about heading into the danger-zone. But Smyrna & Philadelphia are making progress and get commended.
Living my life as an independent operator is already pretty complex. But life in the community of the church piles-up complications. By how much? It’s hard to say. I try quantifying it with this rule-of-thumb: 1 unit of personal complexity x local-church population = total community complexity (so…a 200-member church would have a group-complexity level ~200 times greater than one individual life).
I admit it’s a rough guide. But whatever the exact Community Life Complexity Number is it’s way bigger than life alone.