Together For Justice

By Jeanette Thomas

I’m a beginner on the road toward justice - working hard (and often succeeding little) in fleshing out the ways of Jesus in unique and varied contexts. But I’ve learned a few lessons I’d like to share.

Pressing toward Jesus and the Justice He so deeply loves:
1. God wants his people to be champions for justice—not just cheerleaders or donors. We shouldn’t be satisfied with merely giving to reputable organizations or applauding from the sidelines. We ought to be in and among the contexts where God has called us to minister. As God’s people, we’ve been invited “on stage” in some way. How might we be better informed? How might we ourselves be active in advocating for justice or this (just) cause?

2. Becoming a champion is a process; we should expect it to take some time and start with “the next step” we know. Do we need to become less insulated from injustice in our world? How might we do that? Who are the most vulnerable people in our city or in our daily lives? How will we remember them? Do we see and feel their pain?

3. Becoming a champion for justice is about following Jesus. What do the Scriptures have to say about justice—or specific (just) causes? Have we noticed the Biblical language and themes that should inform us?

4. As champions, we should notice how God’s “stream of justice” is already flowing in and through our friends and family, our congregation, and those we’re connected to in some way. How might we join in what God is already doing? Are we praying regularly that God will help us to “connect the dots”?

5. Growing as a follower of Jesus (and justice-champion) often involves a disorienting dilemma. Are we willing to place ourselves in uncomfortable situations? How are we stretching ourselves and reshaping our lives to pursue justice?

6. Action and Reflection work together to effectively create “justice champs.” What tangible experiences have we participated in, individually or corporately? Did we spend time reflecting on what God was doing in and through us? How could our Scripture reading this week lead us to pursue justice in a practical way? What’s one step we might take?

7. Authentic friendships make champions of justice. Have we gone beyond “working for justice” to actually befriending those suffering from injustice? Are we willing to lament with friends who suffer from injustice even if there’s nothing we can do to fix it? What would it look like to wait on a Messiah together?

What are your thoughts and questions?

Check out justice advocate Scott Lundeen’s phenomenal DVD series, entitled Urban Entry at http://www.urbanentry.org/Urban_Entry/Home.html—a great resource for suburban congregations.