Marriott: GC2 task ‘requires great unity’

WACO—Division is not hard to find in society, Baptist General Convention of Texas President Ronny Marriott, pastor of First Baptist Church in Richardson, told Texas Baptists at their annual meeting.

Pointing to business and politics as examples of societal division, Marriott urged Texas Baptists to remain committed to unity and love to make a difference in the world.

“Two of the pillars that help establish the kingdom of God are unity amidst diversity and the radical love of Jesus. We have diversity, and that causes conflict at times, but it can actually strengthen us at times,” Marriott said in his president’s message to Texas Baptists.

Displaying a photo of two Texas Baptists staff members in jerseys of opposing sports teams, he explained churches and leaders still can get along despite their differences.

Marriot pointed out “even our theology” can be a point of division. He cited pastor/author Greg Dutcher, who likens theology to looking at a sunset through a windshield. Dutcher says windshields work best when nobody notices they’re there.

“Good theology is like a clean windshield, allowing us to see the beauty and glory of God more clearly,” Dutcher explains. Individuals can still see the sunset through a dirty windshield, but maybe believers can work together to clean it and make the view clearer, when the theology obscures some of God’s glory.

Marriott, however, noted his concern that some “do little more than celebrate how wonderfully clear their theological windshield is.”

But theology isn’t an end in itself, any more than a windshield is. “It is simply a window to the awe-inspiring universe of God’s truth, filled with glory, beauty and grace.

“We must make sure that we know the difference between staring at a windshield and staring through one,” Marriott asserted.

Scriptural call for unity

Marriott drew from two Scriptures to drive home the importance of unity, including Jesus speaking in John 17:21: “May they all be one…that the world might know you have sent me.”

He also noted that the prophet Jeremiah warned God’s people how to live in exile. They were to get along and help the city to thrive.

“He encouraged them to be a good citizen and represent … God well. His kingdom is an upside-down kingdom to this world. Jesus said love your enemies,” Marriott said.

“Jesus said in my kingdom to bless those who curse you. If you want to be first, you have to be last and serve everybody. It doesn’t make sense. But we are citizens of that kingdom, and it is an eternal kingdom.”

Noting the many challenges believers face, Marriott said Texas Baptists’ emphasis on the Great Commandment and the Great Commission requires great unity.

“It is an unsurmountable task, but that’s why we need each other and need this convention to work together,” he said.

“When we gather together like this, we are a beautiful, bright tapestry of what it means to work together, to draw the eye to God. We are committed to diversity, but will our disagreement be more prominent than our cooperation? I pray not.”

Marriott also said the radical love of Jesus Christ is required to impact God’s kingdom.

“We are called to love the way Jesus did, even those who see us as enemies and persecute us. What does it say when the kingdom allows differences to get in the way of loving our brothers and sisters?” he said.

“The radical love of Jesus Christ changes people’s lives. It has transformed you and me, and it will change the world. I am convinced we will never carry out the Great Commission until we get better at the Great Commandment,” he added.

“I’m proud to be a Texas Baptist, and I’m proud of our convention. I believe the world needs the BGCT. They need us to be a strong life-giving convention that touches the ends of the earth.”

With additional reporting by Calli Keener.