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.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
5 comments:
what kind of justice are you talking about? Is this "social justice? what are your references in the scripture?
I'm worry when I hear the words justice from a Christian. It's usually social justice which is not scriptural and is lead by liberal church that questions the basic doctrine of the faith.
A quick response to these two posts would be that we are certainly referring to scriptural teaching and principles about justice. I believe the author will speak more directly to this in a forthcoming response.
But for this more immediate reply, I would direct our thoughts to what both Old and New Testament texts have to say about justice, including Jesus' description of his ministry to bring release and freedom to the heart, mind, body, and soul. Luke 4:18-19 also calls followers of Jesus to point people to Christ, who is the only Lord and Savior. He alone brings true freedom and justice. It is because of this that Christians can meet the social and physical needs of the poor and the oppressed, giving voice to justice that comes from the One who is Justice (and so much more).
You all may want to check out a great ministry called Christian Advocacy Now (Christian Advocacy Now.com) conceived and led by Juliet Skuldt and other members of the Orchard (formerly the Arlington Heights Evangelical Free Church), Arlington Heights, IL. Avoiding the contemporary connotations of the word "justice" they have chosen and acted on the concept of advocacy and have been very effective in accomplishing much of the ministry of mercy to the persecuted and oppressed to which Jesus calls us.
I am concerned when I hear Christians say htat social justice is not scriptural. I understand the concern that we don't drift into liberal thinking but what about the drift into hardened hearts? The move to end slavery was social justice for other races. The pro-life movement is social justice for the unborn. The fight against euthanasia is social justice for the elderly. The fight against prostitution is socisl justice for women. The fight against child pornography and child labor is social justice for children. How can we who call ourselves followers of Jesus Christ call these issues non scriptural? Tim Vesey
Post a Comment