Umpires are essential participants in the game of baseball. Other sports have referees, but baseball officials carry the term, “umpire”. They are a genuinely neutral official who watches a game or match closely to enforce the rules and judge unbiasedly on matters arising from the play. A good umpire will:
- Be knowledgable about the action taking place before their eyes.
- Have the confidence to make a quick decision based on the knowledge of the rules and the application of the moment.
- Bring total objectivity to the game and apply the rules to both teams fairly and with integrity.
- Have the mental toughness to stand by their ruling no matter the pressures from the teams or the fans.
- Demonstrate a calm demeanor no matter the emotional blowback from the decision.
There may be more characteristics, but those are the ones that come to mind quickest. Umpires are essential. Without them, rules are broken, stretched, and ignored. I remember playing some pick-up games of baseball and in later years, softball, and no umpires were used. Everyone on the field was on the “honor” system. You don’t need me to report on how those times turned out. In a close play, everyone defaults to partisan team loyalty. It’s the nature of human beings.
Politics in many ways is analogous to a baseball game. There are two teams vying for victories, whether it be an election or legislation. They should be playing for the success of who they represent, but we know that tends to be an ancillary by-product rather than the driving motivation. And because the drive to win at all costs is the breeding ground for shortcuts, cheating, and even illegality, the arena needs umpires. Those who call it straight by the rule book. That umpire is the Church, led by Word-driven pastors.
It is fascinating that the concept of “umpire” is actually found in the Scriptures. In Colossians 3:15, the word Paul uses is, βραβευέτω (brabeuetō) which means to arbitrate, i.e. “making the call” in “a conflict between contending forces”. The concept is also derived from numerous other texts as well. “Judge with righteous judgment” is a scriptural command, most notably from Jesus in John 7:24, instructing individuals to look beyond surface appearances and make moral evaluations based on truth, justice, and divine principles rather than hypocrisy or superficiality. It is the application of God’s laws (or objective, moral truth) to a situation, rather than personal opinion. Deuteronomy 16:18-19 instructs judges to render just, impartial, and honest judgments.
The point I am making is that the Church must approach the ongoing work of governing in the civic arena as an impartial “umpire”. We are to righteously judge candidates, elections, and legislation based on the authority of God’s Word and not simply personal or partisan preference. Our president (and really any political figure of any political party) offers plenty of case study opportunities to apply this principle. We should cheer and affirm them when they act and perform righteously (or use the term godly, or obediently) in their duties as civic ministers (Romans 13:4); but when they do not, we need to rebuke or correct. This establishes and maintains our credibility as followers of Christ that we are not expressing carnal partiality. I can appreciate a civic official when they honor God and legislate righteously. I need to rebuke a civic official when they ignore God (or His ways) and legislate unrighteously. This isn’t spiritual rocket science. This was actually the assignment of the prophets. King Saul and the prophet Samuel were tight and relationally friendly at the beginning of Saul’s reign. As Saul slipped further into disobedience, Samuel didn’t hesitate to “make the call” as an “umpire” for Yahweh.
I was sitting in the gallery of a statehouse a few years ago as the Representatives were debating legislation regarding abortion. As I listened, I was amazed to hear officials on both sides of the bill quoting Scripture to uphold their viewpoint. Obviously, there is an easily recognizable principle of life and personhood concerning the pre-born baby in the Scriptures, so a lot of scripture was getting twisted. Having said that, it was still remarkable that nearly everyone quoted the Bible because of its inherent authority. Even those who were twisting it, used it, because they believed its authority strengthened their (convoluted) position.
The Word of God, rightly divided, is how we call “balls and strikes” in the political arena. We, the Church, are the ones who hold up the standard of Scripture, not as some elusive ideal, but expected obedience. This is our job as ministers and pastors. We uphold the standard, even as we realize that “all have sinned and come short of the glory of God”. That’s not hypocrisy, it is fidelity to the standard.
John the Baptist, while incendiary and passionate, held Herod to the standard. Not because it was his standard, but rather it was God’s standard. Truth is truth, when it is objectively established. For the Church to become effective again in its call to engage the civic mission field, we will need to prioritize the truth, more than party, friendships, and legislative alliances.
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