Three strikes doesn't mean you are out

This week we looked at Matthew 18:15-20. I reflected that one way to hear this passage (an incorrect way, for certain) is as a “three strikes” policy. 

“This passage can sound like that, like ‘Three strikes and you’re out.’ If a brother or sister sins against you, have a one-on-one conversation. If that’s strike one, go back with one or two other people. If that’s strike two, take it to the church. If that’s strike three, they’re out. Treat them like a tax collector or pagan.”

I came across the website for Saint Louis Challenger Baseball. This is baseball without strikes, and I’d encourage you to check out their philosophy. The homepage reads,

 “Challenger Baseball

A baseball league for kids with disabilities.

A chance for kids to come together as a team and be cheered.
We don't count outs and we don't count runs.
Everybody plays. Everybody scores. Everybody wins.”

That is a good picture of the church as Jesus presents it in Matthew 18:15-20. Here’s what I mean: repentance and restoration is the goal of the passage. Jesus makes it clear that persistence is crucial, and not just persistence in saying the same thing over and over. When I was a teacher, I picked up a phrase in one of my continuing education classes that stuck with me: “Fair is not everybody getting the same; fair is everybody getting what they need.” We pursue repentance and restoration in that persistent way that gives our brother or sister what they need. This is not a “three strikes and you’re out” passage.

"The fundamental goal of Challenger Baseball is to give everyone a chance to play. To realize that goal, Challenger has two basic rules: every player bats each inning, and every player plays the field. We don't count strikes, and we don't count outs. Everybody scores, and everybody wins.

Challenger Baseball participants learn not only the fundamentals of baseball, but also experience pulling together as a team, be cheered on by a crowd, and being encouraged by their peers. All players are named all-stars, and all receive trophies at the end-of-the-season picnic."

Competition may have its place in life, but does it have a place in the body of Christ? Strikes and outs are necessary for competition, but teamwork is the framework for the church. 

There is a bite in this passage, though. In 18:17 Jesus says, “if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.” Jesus does not teach that anything goes. Using baseball language, not everybody will want to play. As far as the church is concerned, there is always room for one more on the team. In fact, as far as the church is concerned, there will always be excitement for one more player on the team. The reality, though, is that some will not respond to the call.

Point to ponder: What does it mean to treat someone like a tax collector or pagan? To answer that, first consider the two parables that sandwich this passage (the wandering sheep and the unmerciful servant), then spend some time on Luke 5:27-32 and Luke 19:1-10.

To Jesus, treating someone as a tax collector or pagan meant always aiming for restoration, always encouraging repentance. Pursue restoration as if you believe it is going to happen. We never give up on others because God never gives up on us.