Is the church willing to stand with Jesus, even when standing with him requires us to go outside the camp?
When Jesus stood before Pilate, he made a declaration that should continue to shape the church’s understanding of its identity and mission: “My kingdom is not of this world.”
Jesus was not declaring that his kingdom had nothing to say about the affairs of this world. Rather, he meant his kingdom did not derive its authority, identity or purpose from political, social and religious institutions.
Jerome Coleman
During his earthly ministry, Jesus encountered religious and political groups, including the Pharisees, Sadducees, Herodians and Zealots. Each had its own understanding of religion, political power and Israel’s future. Yet Jesus refused to identify his mission with any of them.
He confronted the Pharisees for their hypocrisy, challenged the Sadducees concerning Scripture and refused to be drawn into the Herodians’ political traps. When the crowds zealously sought to make him king, he withdrew.
Jesus proclaimed the kingdom of God regardless of whose expectations he challenged. His refusal to conform to the religious and political expectations of his day contributed to the opposition that ultimately led to his crucifixion.
Throughout Scripture, the prophets demonstrated that their ultimate allegiance was to the Lord rather than to earthly rulers.
“Throughout Scripture, the prophets demonstrated that their ultimate allegiance was to the Lord rather than to earthly rulers.”
Nathan confronted David concerning adultery and murder.
Elijah confronted Ahab over the injustice committed against Naboth.
John the Baptist confronted Herod concerning his unlawful marriage.
Isaiah encouraged Hezekiah during the Assyrian threat yet confronted him concerning his dealings with Babylonian envoys.
Isaiah’s responsibility was not to affirm everything the king did, but to declare God’s word faithfully.
Their allegiance was to the King of Kings. The church must never lose that understanding of its calling.
Christians have both the privilege and responsibility of participating in our nation’s political processes. We should seek justice, defend the vulnerable, protect human life, uphold righteousness and advocate for policies consistent with biblical principles. However, there is a difference between advocating for biblical principles and identifying the church with a political party.
Jesus was a multi-issue Messiah. His concern for righteousness extended to every dimension of human life. He confronted sexual immorality, hypocrisy, greed, dishonesty, injustice, religious pride and the mistreatment of the vulnerable.
He did not permit obedience in one area to the neglect of another.
Jesus rebuked religious leaders for meticulously tithing while neglecting justice, mercy and faithfulness. Yet he did not tell them to abandon tithing. Instead, he declared, “These things should have been done without neglecting the others.”
There is a lesson here for Southern Baptists.
For decades, opposition to abortion and same-sex marriage has occupied a prominent place in our political engagement. These are matters about which Southern Baptists hold deeply rooted biblical convictions. Yet we should examine whether emphasizing these two issues has sometimes caused us to disregard other matters about which Scripture also speaks clearly.
Are we equally concerned about dishonesty, injustice, greed, the mistreatment of strangers and the abuse of power? Do we apply the same moral standards to political leaders whose policies we support as we do to those whose policies we oppose?
Our commitment to biblical marriage and the sanctity of human life never should diminish our commitment to other biblical principles.
“No political party can fully represent the moral teachings of Scripture.”
Political parties develop platforms shaped by competing interests and priorities. Some positions may align with Scripture, while others may not. No political party can fully represent the moral teachings of Scripture.
When the church becomes too closely identified with any political party, we risk allowing its priorities to shape ours and its political interests to determine which moral concerns receive our attention.
The church does not receive its moral agenda from a political platform. We receive it from the word of God.
As Southern Baptists, our greatest contribution to this nation is not our ability to influence an election or secure the favor of those in power. It is our unwavering commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ and the principles of his kingdom.
Our political influence may increase or diminish. Administrations will change. Political parties will rise and fall. But the kingdom of God remains.
Perhaps this is why the writer of Hebrews issues such a compelling invitation: “Let us, then, go to him outside the camp, bearing his disgrace. For we do not have an enduring city here; instead, we seek the one to come.”
To go outside the camp is to identify with Jesus even when doing so means surrendering the acceptance, security or influence that established institutions may offer.
Is the church willing to stand with Jesus, even when standing with him requires us to go outside the camp?
Jerome F. Coleman serves as president of the National African American Fellowship of the Southern Baptist Convention