I must admit, I have a love/hate relationship with the annual performance review process. In my experience, reviews conducted by good bosses can significantly impact overall employee performance. At the same time, reviews conducted by bad bosses are often used like a club to beat down an employee, leading to decreased morale and increased turnover.
However, as a boss, I conducted dozens, if not hundreds, of performance reviews during my career. While my technique and process evolved over the years, my performance reviews included three core sections. In the first, I acknowledge what the employee did well. In the second, I brought up areas needing improvement. And finally, in the third, I provided suggestions for how the employee could correct shortfalls in their performance.
Jesus’ Performance Reviews of the Seven Churches
I didn’t realize then that the three-step process I utilized in my performance reviews was similar to the process Jesus used when He provided performance reviews for the seven churches (Revelation 2-3).
In each of the seven performance review letters, Jesus first commends them for what they are doing well, then condemns them for what they are doing poorly, and finally offers correction to get them back on track!
Commends
Jesus commended five churches for their faithfulness and perseverance in several areas.
- Toil, patient endurance, stood against evil and endured trials.
- Endured tribulation, poverty, and divisive members.
- Maintained faith.
- Love, faith, service, patient endurance, and grew in faith over time.
- Kept my word and have not denied the faith.
Jesus didn’t commend any attributes of the churches in Sardis or Laodicea.
Condemns
Jesus was straightforward, calling out areas where each church fell short.
- Love for Christ declined over time.
- Some people followed false teaching and engaged in immoral practices.
- Tolerated false prophetess and engaged in immoral sexual practices.
- Your faith is dead.
- Some who claim to be Jews follow Satan.
- Lukewarm faith; neither cold nor hot.
Jesus did not note any shortcomings for the church in Smyrna.
Corrects
Having identified each church’s strengths and weaknesses, Jesus tells each church what they need to do to improve.
- Remember how far you have fallen and repent.
- Repent.
- There will be great tribulation unless you repent.
- Remember what you have heard and repent.
- Be zealous and repent.
Jesus offered no correction to the churches in Smyrna and Philadelphia.
Three themes emerge as I review Jesus’ words to the seven churches. First, Jesus commends the churches for maintaining their faith, often while enduring trials and fierce opposition. Second, Jesus condemns the churches that allow their faith to falter, listen to false teachers, and engage in immoral practices. And finally, third, Jesus corrects the weak churches telling them to turn from their evil practices and repent.
Our Performance Review
Jesus’ performance reviews recorded in Revelation are directed to the churches. However, I wonder, how would I do if Jesus’ conducted a performance review on me today? Would I receive commendation for maintaining my faith amid trials and persecutions? Would Jesus rebuke me because I let my faith cool? Would He warn me to repent and return to Him?
I’d like to think I was most like the church in Smyrna that received words of commendation, with no shortcomings and no correction needed.
For sure, I don’t want to be like the churches of Sardis or Laodicea, who received no words of praise and were accused of having dead faith.
But if I am honest with myself, I am most like the churches who received some praise but had a lot of work to do and needed to repent and return to God in earnest.
If Jesus conducted your performance review today, which church would you be most like? Would you hear words of praise and commendation, or would you hear warnings from Jesus to repent and return to your faith?
More Articles
I have written many articles on obedience to God. You can find them by typing “Obedience to God” in the search bar. Meanwhile, here are several of my favorites.
- #498: Are We Celebrating Labor Day with Rest the Way We Should?
- #497: Is God Testing Our Faith When He Asks Us to Wait?
- #493: Do You Have the Right Answer to This Important Question?
- #475: Does the Bible Call Us to Balance or Obedience?
- #426: Fulfill the Will of God by Taking the First Step
Join the Conversation
As always, questions and comments are welcome. How do you need to change in your life to get the performance review from Jesus you would like to hear?
I’d love your help. This blog is read primarily because people like you share it with friends. Would you be kind enough to share it by pressing the share button?
Category: Personal Development | Obedience to God
