“We are so concerned with our freedom of speech that we forget that our speech should bring freedom” Pastor Joe Smith.
The truth is, we as American Christians spend so much of our time fighting for our freedom to practice our faith rather than resting in our freedom in Christ to love others. In my opinion that is a dangerous place to be. What would it look like if we fought for our liberty as much as we fought for justice of others.
We as American Christians have assumed the role as “freedom fighters” when it comes to prayer,leaving the “Christ” in “Christmas” or gun control. We hold our crosses high when faced with what we perceive to be an attack on Christianity, while ignoring one of the biggest calling God has for the church.
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
Micah 6:8
What are we gonna do with that word, JUSTICE? How are we going to fight for it? Is there a wrong or right way to fight for justice?
The truth is, the world doesn’t need more sermons or cool music or even at one week missions trip. What world needs is real people who are sold out for Christ really reaching out and fighting for others. Hashtags won’t solve anything. Tweets and blogs (like this one) are just a stepping stone to making awareness.
I believe the reason that injustices and tragedies hit us hard is because we know deep inside that, that isn’t the way the world is suppose to function. We all know that when something is unfair or wrong that, that isn’t purest condition that world is suppose to be in. Whether you believe in God or not, God is the author of justice. It is very close to His heart. Being completely just is a part of God’s character. And since He is the author and the ultimate source of justice shouldn’t those who carry the banner of His name also carry the responsibility of providing that justice.
“Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed.Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.”
Isaiah 1:17
If you are Christian you have a RESPONSIBILITY to fight for justice. You honestly can’t be a loving person and not desire justice for all people. After reading the book of Amos and I began to understand how serious God takes this. Amos 2:6-7 states
“This is what the Lord says:“For three sins of Israel, even for four, I will not relent.They sell the innocent for silver, and the needy for a pair of sandals. They trample on the heads of the poor as on the dust of the ground and deny justice to the oppressed…”
The first time I read this I was surprised. I have always been told that the God of the old testament really focused on rules and the law. However, He is loving as He is just. I do agree that these things are true, however, the verses in Amos, some in Proverbs, and other parts of the entire Bible actually holds serving the poor at a high value. The value the God has placed on the least of these is so high that He punished those who refuse to do it.
I believe that church should be a place of safety and refuge. My hope is for your church to be dedicated to healing hearts and discussing issues. If not, that is a problem. Going on with business as usual is damaging to both the congregation and the gospel. I kept reading comments about people not wanting to discuss politics or social justice issues in church. Jesus understood the political climate affected his people’s everyday lives. He didn’t ignore politics and just focused on the gospel but he matched his words with actions of love. He understood that the political climate affected how people interacted with each other. He spoke up when necessary. He dove into the uncomfortable situations and sometimes illegally loved people. Jesus broke the law a bunch of times in the name of love. Jesus’ actions not only were a vibrant sign of love but they were also political statements (not intentionally ). However, issues concerning race, inequality, etc aren’t merely political, there are people are actually dying because of our refusal to speak up. Let that sink in. Yes, people make awful choices, however, we as a church aren’t called to be silent while others are being oppressed.
If the American church fails to show up at the table and step up in our country, then God won’t be apart of the conversation or solution. I hear time and time again, “Jesus is the answer,” and it is getting to the point where people are no longer believing it because they never see Jesus through our actions. That to me scares me. Hashtags only do so much. Reposting other people’s words provide no sympathy. Changing your profile picture isn’t going to provide food or shelter for victims of domestic violence or end world hunger or even provide for your friends and family in need.The fact that so many people who aren’t believers are disgusted with the events that are took place in Charlottesville means that God’s fingerprints and heart is in all of us. We all inherently know that our world isn’t suppose be a place a of violence, hate, hunger, and death.
It breaks my heart that the church is claiming that we need to come together and seek unity when in the same breath criticize others for risking their lives for the sake of others. It also frustrates me to read people insult people who are asking and are trying to answer the question, “what should we do?”, and are looking for solutions. Even if you don’t agree with how they do it, I recommend just supporting those people because they are brave warriors that are reflecting God’s heart. If you are not a protesting type, that’s fine, then call your senator. If you hate politics, support and volunteer at non-profits.You don’t have to be a person who goes to rallies and protests but you have to be a person who stands for what’s right.
God is the deliverer and restorer. God is in the business of delivering His people from awful situations. Throughout the Old Testament He worked tirelessly to restore the Israelites back to the promise land even when then go astray. Even more so, He is in the business of restoring the entire world back to order. God also used people like Jonah (when he finally got over his hatred) to deliver the Ninevites out of sin. With that in mind the question is, are you going going to join Him?
“The church must be reminded that it is not the master or the servant of the state, but rather the conscience of the state,” [Martin Luther] King wrote in Strength to Love, a sermon collection. “It must be the guide and the critic of the state, and never its tool. If the church does not recapture its prophetic zeal, it will become an irrelevant social club without moral or spiritual authority.” -Pastor Erwin McManus.
blakekathryn
dailybridgerton
andulkaphoto
yousharknotpass
ellievsbear
prguitarman
theartofmadeline
janainaart
