Improving Foreign Diplomacy

Neal Pollard

Being roundly criticized for its handling of the Benghazi embassy attack, facing the continued threat of "Arab Spring," ongoing awkwardness in dealing with foreign powers like China and Russia, and now replacing Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, the new administration is going to be challenged by foreign affairs issues in the foreseeable future.  It is an important issue because how we handle ourselves with the rest of the world determines our strength and weakness as a nation.  Proper diplomacy is key!

Churches and Christians in them continually face a similar challenge in interacting with non-believers and that system of thought identified in Scripture as "the world."  New Testament writers identify the Lord's church as "a holy nation" (1 Pet. 2:9), but we are also said to be "aliens and strangers" in this world (1 Pet. 2:11). Inasmuch as diplomats are those tasked with managing international relations and representing their country abroad, we must understand as mission as "ambassadors for Christ" (cf. 2 Cor. 5:20).  Peter gives us insight into how to improve our "foreign diplomacy."

First, share generously (1 Pet. 2:9). Because of the important role we fill, chosen, royal, holy, and "possessed by God," we need to "come to the table" ready to share.  Whether the world realizes it or not, they are poor in the most dire way possible.  Peter tells us to "proclaim the excellencies of Him" to the world.

Second, humbly recognize the importance of your status (1 Pet. 2:10).  Instead of being pompous and arrogant, we will feel the weight of our responsibility.  We represent God to the world, which is spiritually blind, deaf, and ignorant of the Bible and its teaching.  We also realize that we were once in darkness (2:9) and we have a checkered past (2:10).  This should make us more vigilant and determined as we reach out to the world.

Third, distinguish yourself in conduct (1 Pet. 2:11-12a).  According to these verses, that means avoiding what will lead us to self-destruct ("fleshly lusts") and putting our best foot forward with the world ("keep your behavior excellent").  You will be watched more closely, held to a higher, stricter standard, and criticized just for the "post" you hold.  You will even endure "slander...as evildoers."  

Finally, serve with honor and distinction (1 Pet. 2:12b).  Criticisms can be weathered. Accusations can be proven specious. Conduct is the key.  Because "of your good deeds, as they observe them," they will "glorify God in the day of visitation."  Stay true to what you know is right.  Jesus said, "Yet wisdom is vindicated by all her children" (Lk. 7:35).  In other words, time will tell through the fruit of your deeds, as you remain focused on your mission. 

It is hard to say how the President and his cabinet will deal with their foreign diplomacy challenges.  Let us pray for them.  Meanwhile, let us stay focused on the indispensable role we have in that "holy nation" of the church!  That work impacts eternities. 

HOW ARE WE DOING IN THE FIFTH KINGDOM?

Neal Pollard

Scott Balbin is doing a great job teaching Ezekiel and Daniel on Sunday mornings.  Yesterday, he briefly touched on what the class had seen in Daniel two the prior week.  It was my pleasure to sit next to our resident sage and my dear friend, Johnson Kell.  At the end of the class, he asked me the question, "How are we doing in the fifth kingdom?"  I knew exactly what he was asking.  Nebuchadnezzar's dream and visions about the "last days" concerned a great image, which represented four great kingdoms.  Historically, these were the Babylonian, Medo-Persian, Greek, and Roman Empires.  Daniel says that during the days of the Roman "kings," another kingdom would be set up that would never be destroyed (Dan. 2:44).  That kingdom is clearly shown in Hebrews 12:23-29 to be the church of the firstborn.  This is the church Jesus promised to build (Mat. 16:18-19), a kingdom the establishment of which was imminent (Mat. 16:28).  A kingdom that came with power on the Day of Pentecost, at which time we see first reference made to that church being in existence (Acts 1:8; 2:1-4; 47).  That "fifth kingdom," the church, will never be destroyed and nothing will bring about its utter and complete demise.

Yet, Johnson's question is valid.  How are we doing in this "fifth kingdom"?  Some individual congregations are thriving, while others are languishing.  Some are growing and some are dying.  Some are being faithful to the New Testament pattern and are boldly proclaiming the whole counsel, but others have abandoned such an approach.  

Beyond that, how is each congregation doing to educate, evangelize, edify, equip, entrust, and endow?  As we look at individual components of our congregation, how are we doing in church leadership, organization, involvement, outreach, benevolence, spirituality, morality, discipline, and the like?  

We should never be satisfied that we are doing enough.  We can always grow and improve.  But, oh the wisdom in asking the question.  If we stop self-analysis and self-examination, we are in a dangerous place!  This starts with me asking, "How am I doing in the fifth kingdom?"  That is the area over which I have the most control!  

A Walking Confession, A Walking Book

Neal Pollard

            All people in the world are watching our words and deeds.  Jesus teaches, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matt. 5:16).  Jesus is calling for a “walking confession,” a life which is an open book.

            The Christian’s life is a manual, revealing what a Christian talks and acts like (Matt. 5:16).  It is a cookbook, showing the necessary ingredients which combine for a rich, full life (2 Pet. 1:5-11).  It is a code book, the reading of which will safely point others to the place of God’s acceptance (1 Tim. 4:12; Rom. 12:1-2).  It is a thriller in that it is bound by all the spiritual blessings that are to be had (Eph. 1:3).  It is a medical book in that it reveals the evidences of the Great Physician (Mark 2:17; Jer. 8:22).  It is a suspense because the best is yet to be for the Christian as “it does not yet appear what we shall be…” (1 John 3:2).  The Christian is read very carefully by “all men” (2 Cor. 3:2).  As our lives are read, what notes do the readers place in the margin?  If they were to label the book of our lives, what would they say?  “Couldn’t put it down!” (Titus 2:8)?  “This book contains error” (1 John 4:6)?  “Easy to follow” (1 Tim. 2:2)?  “Discard” (Rev. 3:14-19)?  “Pages missing” (2 Pet. 1:9)? 

            Peter found it very easy to confess the Lord before the other disciples.  He vowed, “Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death” (Luke 22:33).  Before the next morning’s light hit his face, Peter had denied his Lord three times before men (Luke 22:54ff).  The camaraderie of other believers put Peter to no test, but out there in the world Peter failed the test.  Perhaps arrogance contributed to his denial.  Obviously, fear was involved.  The prospect of ostracism and rejection led to his cowardice.

            If an apostle would stumble at confessing Christ before men, what about you and I?  Separated from the pull and pressures of the world when in the assemblies, we have no difficulty preaching (or hearing), singing, and praying our devout faith in Jesus.  But, when the support group disbands to address life’s daily affairs and the group becomes individuals scattered into different jobs, neighborhoods, schools, and homes, do our lives confess Him?  Do we tell others by our actions that Christ is our Lord?  Do we show them that He is first (Matt. 6:33)?  Out there (in the world) is where Jesus’ conditional statement in Matthew 10:32-33 applies.  If we “stick up” for Christ in the daily tests, then He will reward our triumph over temptation.  Out there is where Christ needs others to see our confession and read our lives.