Something I’ve been thinking on this week:
I love that we Christians have such a passion for justice, which is a virtue innate in all mankind, but felt especially stronger by those of us who are followers of the Way and ambassadors of Christ. But while I’ve been really encouraged to see the Church’s response to social issues, I can’t help but see two things in particular stand out:
1) Are we diligent to examine and discern whether or not our earthly concepts of justice truly align with the character of the only perfectly just person: God Almighty? This isn’t instagrammable and it’s hard work but I think it’s important, as our beliefs have consequence and can cause unforeseen sufferings on either end of the spectrum. Though our human wisdom could be at its best, our hearts are still prone to wander, especially as outside of Christ “no man seeks after God" (Romans 3:11). On this side of eternity, we see through “a glass dimly” (1 Cor. 13:12). This is why David prays, “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23-24). So no matter what ideas or concepts we are presented with, we should weigh all these methods and intentions by the Word of God and navigate it as prayerfully as we can. The Lord will lead us into “all truth” (John 16:13). Oftentimes that means worldly wisdom, however well-intentioned or seemingly spiritual, is wrong. And sometimes worldly wisdom checks out, a common grace given us by God that is profitable. We can trust Him with even our strongest-held policies and movements. We should submit ourselves unto Truth Himself and let the Lord, not the world, lead us.
2) Even as the Lord leads us unto greater knowledge of godly living, He never does this without leading us first closer to Himself. What scripture tells us is that, even if we achieve well-ordered earthly kingdoms and reasonable peace among a generally moral mankind, we will still be the ungodly that Christ was crucified for. The things we say and do here might be good, but our eternal soul would still be in jeopardy. We need Jesus not to just make us better people, but to redeem our depraved, cosmically rebellious souls. So I’ve been asking myself, “Am I as passionate and bold in sharing the Gospel as I am in wanting to share my stance on social issues?” We should absolutely be protesting injustice, but we should shout just as loud for men to be reconciled to God. As true, lasting heart change is only found in Jesus Christ, preaching change without sharing Christ is not only eternally shortsighted, it is a disservice to our neighbor. Knowledge of who our righteous, holy, and loving Father is, who we sinners are in comparison to Him, and what He has done on our behalf cuts us to the quick. Only from there can we begin to deeply, thoroughly repent for our sins against God and our sins against our neighbor. Our world doesn’t just desperately need justice, it needs a Savior. Good news: Christ was crucified.
“The Reformer is always right about what's wrong. However, he's often wrong about what is right.”
― G.K. Chesterton
“Your own opinion of your state is not worth much. Ask the Lord to search you.”
– Charles Spurgeon