Marriott says Great Commandment, Great Commission task ‘requires great unity’

In his President’s Address during the Tuesday morning business and worship session of the 2024 Texas Baptists Annual Meeting, Convention President and Pastor of First Baptist Richardson Ronny Marriott noted that division is not hard to find in society. 

Pointing to the realms of business and politics as examples of societal division, Marriott urged Texas Baptists to remain committed to unity and love in order 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,” noted Marriott. Using a photo of two Texas Baptists staff members in jerseys of opposing sports teams, he explained that churches and leaders can still get along despite their differences.

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 (Jeremiah 29:7) warned the 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,” said Marriott. “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.”