The Misguided Virtue of Loyalty

This is not a new or original observation, but I’m reminded of it in the wake of the Bethel Church events surrounding #WakeUpOlive: fans/members/devotees of beloved faith leaders & communities are highly susceptible to adopting a belief in the ‘inherent goodness’ of the organization. As a Christian, this is both strange and disturbing to me. 

First, most evangelicals affirm the reality of sin and its nature as a powerful and deceptive force in the [individual] human heart. For some reason, though, we are deeply resistant to applying this belief to systems: churches, groups, and institutions that we cherish. Remarkably, we often do the opposite and assign default virtue to systems the tighter we hold commitments to them. Already, I’ve seen a predictable and defensive response from many Bethel supporters both inside and outside the church:

“I assure you Bethel has handled this faithfully, not perfectly, but faithfully.”

“If people could see the daily life of the church they wouldn’t be so critical.”

“Maybe instead of criticism you should see Bethel’s actions as remarkable faith on display.”

I am struck by—and this applies to many outside of Bethel—a community’s need to swiftly defend itself at even a hint of concern or critique. What does it say about a group if it is incapable of considering—much less receiving—correction or rebuke? If stating the party line, downplaying, and deflecting are the only responses given then I’m afraid there is a very different power at work than the gospel.

It is my opinion that the sin of loyalty to systems has dulled both our consciences and our imaginations. 

Swift repentance and the reciprocal welcome of rebuke (individual or corporate) are critical to the economy and vitality of the church in the New Testament. They are, if you will, firstfruits of the gospel’s power working in a community. A surefire mark of loyalty working as a vice is when a community & its supporters assumes its own benevolence while denouncing one(s) raising concerns as ill-willed or ignorant (“they just don’t understand us”). 

Can we imagine, on the other hand, a community and its leadership responding to the *gospel* first instead of managing its image and reputation when concerns are raised? Instead of knee jerk defense which marks the ego of an individual or system...what if it first responded, “how might we have caused harm here intentionally or unintentionally?” Or, “what might others see here that we don’t see?” Such a response would evidence both the courage and imagination the gospel invites us to. 

The more self-defended a system (leaders/members/supporters), the more likely the flame of the gospel has or is being snuffed out in that system. I want to acknowledge that we don’t become embedded in systems for no reason, but because we experience some real benefit(s) from them. There are tangible blessings. The tragedy is what we unwittingly give up in return for the benefits or perceived blessings from a community. This applies whether we are an invested leader, active member, or outside/passive recipient. Discernment and moral courage cannot coexist with the sin of misguided loyalty and presumption of virtue toward a beloved institution. (Also: hello politics!)

By no means am I saying we as the body of Christ are to forfeit patience and forbearance in the systems and institutions we are engaged in. We are, however, called to uphold our integrity before God personally and corporately...to discern good from evil, godly from ungodly, to test the spirits (1 Jn 4). When we tenure a hazardous faith system (or leader) by our loyalty, we are guided by a spirit opposed to the power and scrutiny of the gospel. 

Every time harmful beliefs, cultural blindspots, or sin of any kind is exposed in a community, a door that leads to transformation is cracked open. I believe that in God’s mercy that door is often cracked open repeatedly in the life of a system bearing His name. He is staggeringly patient and kind. But He will not turn a blind eye or campaign the preservation of our systems. 

If we are guided by the sin of loyalty (the toxic kind I’m describing) we will slam the door shut every time it opens for fear of what we could lose. If we are guided by the Spirit we will have courage to open the door and encounter the possibility of change.

Image: Red Door, painting by Ben Will