EDITORIAL:
Traits to take forward, leave behind
___As our calendar rolls up a fresh set of zeros, let us look to the future, yet learn from the past. A glance at the past 100 years serves us well at this historical milepost.
___First, what Baptist characteristics of the 20th century should we carry into the 21st? Create your own list; let me suggest five.
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Passion for souls. Call it "missionary zeal" or "evangelistic fervor," Baptists take seriously our Lord's command to share the gospel with all people. As the 20th century dawned, our missionary force was small and narrowly focused. Today, we support almost 5,000 missionaries in about 130 countries, and we're targeting unreached people groups in the hardest places on Earth. Closer to home, we support almost an equal number of missionaries and church-starters across the country and state. Closer still, record numbers of Baptists share faith in Christ with friends, neighbors and strangers.
___ Care for human beings. Compassion marked the 1900s. In addition to the gospel, Baptists delivered medical aid, child care, humanitarian relief, food, clothing, job training and a host of other services to "the least of these"--from rural spaces to the most-crowded cities.
___ Resilience. World wars, the Great Depression, oil busts, drought, hail, floods, twisters, hurricanes and other catastrophes all tested Baptists' spirit. Yet faith in God, combined with trust in each other and commitment to a cause bigger than ourselves, pulled us forward every time. Despite the calamities, Baptists ended the century stronger than they began it, thanks to Spirit-breathed resilience.
___ Innovation. Baptists have proved our penchant for tinkering and improving. From missions-funding to Sunday School and to worship music, theological education, missions action, evangelism training, community ministries, disaster relief, Christian benevolence and much more, Baptists provided cutting-edge innovation.
___ Big-heartedness. Baptists are generous people. We have sacrificed to spread the gospel, feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, protect the disaster-stricken and love the unlovely. At our best, we have demonstrated a generosity of spirit that has extended arms of love and care to all kinds of people in all kinds of places.
___Of course, we're not perfect, and we don't claim to be. Consequently, we also must look to the past and learn from our weaknesses and shortcomings.
___So, what characteristics of the 20th century should Baptists leave behind? Here are five suggestions:
___ Provincialism. Sometimes, we seem to believe God's work won't get done if we don't do it. This religious arrogance is born of two positive factors--firm conviction in the rightness of our doctrines and practices, as well as success in our endeavors. Southern Baptists, especially Texans, often seem to believe something must be big, and ours, to count. But not in God's eyes. If we are to be part of God's plan in a pluralistic, rapidly changing world, we must join with others in serving God and reaching unbelievers. We must learn from minorities and other Christians, who have much to teach us about doing God's work in the world.
___ Contentiousness. Our reputation and good name has been tainted by controversy and denominational infighting. If we intend to witness and minister with credibility and authority, we must learn, somehow, to demonstrate that love in Christ is stronger than theological/political differences.
___ Selfishness. Of course, Baptists are generous, but we have demonstrated selfishness as well. This flaw has mired many churches in futile worship wars. It has kept us from experiencing the joy of expanding our fellowship to others who aren't exactly like us. If we are to move beyond the limits of our own vision and understanding, we must stop serving our own interests and serve others, for Jesus' sake.
___ Worldliness. Culture has shaped us, often much more than we have shaped it. We measure ministers by CEO standards. We judge "growth" by numerical bottom lines. Worse, we often live our day-to-day lives as if our faith does not distinguish us from unbelievers. We must be transformed by Christ, not conformed to the world.
___ Self-sufficiency. We have enjoyed so much success that we often act as if it is of our doing, not the Holy Spirit's. We must humble ourselves in order to serve our God.
___Fortunately, God redeems. May we ask God to build our strengths and remove our weaknesses as we move forward.
___ —Marv Knox
___E-mail the editor at marvknox@baptiststandard.com
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