HOW DO I MAKE IT RIGHT? Doing Justice in a Broken World
by Tracy Young
Chapter 5: Doing Justice Today - Charity and Justice
Galatians 6:2 CEB
Carry each other’s burdens and so you will fulfill the law of Christ.
"Charity is a much needed and God-pleasing task. But too often in our commitment to charity we have neglected to ...locate and address the root causes of suffering. If justice is about confronting the wrong, speaking up and out, and working for restoration and right, then charity alone isn't enough. Love mercy, says the Lord, and do justice! (TY-93)There is no denying that charity is necessary. It is the front line response to need. It is taking care of the initial crisis. But justice goes beyond simple charity, a monetary donation or volunteer experience, to right the underlying cause of the problem. Many of us are good at the charity end. But are we advocates for change?
Chapter 5: Doing Justice Today - Advocacy Action
Isaiah 1:17b GNT
See that justice is done—help those who are oppressed, give orphans their rights, and defend widows.”
Our voices are a tool for justice when we use them to speak for those whose voices are not heard. And when we use our voices to declare, "A change must be made!" our voices are much more powerful than when we shrug and say, "What could I possibly do?" (TY-96)We feel our one voice is so small and insignificant. We don't realize when that one voice has combined with many others to turn the tide. We may not think our letter will make a difference, but we never know when God will leave it in view of just the person in authority to initiate action. This is my personal challenge for the year ahead.....I am good at charity, now it is time to become an advocate. Now it is time to speak up!
SATURDAY, February 1
HOW DO I MAKE IT RIGHT? Doing Justice in a Broken World
by Tracy Young
I am speeding through the last chapter of this book so I can finish it before Rick and I leave for Hawaii!
Chapter 5: Doing Justice Today - Considering Our Choices
Luke 9:24 MSG
Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self. What good would it do to get everything you want and lose you, the real you?
"..live life with an attitude of justice. The result will be a more intentional, aware life in which we seek to follow Jesus in our everyday choices about food and clothing and money. And like a painting created with an attitude of prayer, a life lived with an attitude of justice is beautiful to behold." (TY-99)Author Young uses the metaphor in this daily devotion of an artist who creates in an attitude of worship. The result is a glorious reflection of the Creator God. If we daily live with an attitude of justice, (not just a one time event here and there), we can create more change than we think possible. Little acts add up when done by many people! What kind of little acts? Simple living that resists monetary goals, shopping fair trade, microloans, advocacy are just a few examples.
I read through the list...and my first thought was. .... Hey, we do that. We support KIVA, we shop Fair Trade, we live beneath our means. Great! I'm off the hook. I'm doing everything she mentions! Whew! That's a relief. I was afraid this book was going to make me change! Can't do that. There is always more - something that pushes me beyond my comfort zone into speaking out more. And if I LIVE with the attitude of justice, whatever that more is will become clear.
Chapter 5: Doing Justice Today - God's People in the World
Matthew 5:14-16 MSG
You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. ....... Now that I’ve put you ......on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.
I love Peterson's translation of this passage from the Sermon on the Mount: light, God-colors of the world! The thought that I can reflect God-light, God-colors, is so beautiful!
"As justice seekers, we are a part of a global Christian community and part of local church communities. Though we can take individual actions and make individual choices that put us on the path of justice, we must never forget that we are not alone in our pursuit of righteousness. One of us can make some noise, but many of us together are awfully hard to ignore." (TY-101)
"Jesus reminds us that his kingdom begins as a mustard seed - the tiniest of seeds. When cultivated and cared for, that little seed takes root and grows into something great. (Mark 4:30-32) Our efforts may seem insignificant at first, but as we meet together, pray together, and act for justice together, that little seed will grow and transform." (TY 101)This made me think of Open Door and Backpack - social justice programs that began within our church and have expanded to include more of the Baker church community. The seed is growing!
We can't change everything at once. But we can focus our attention on a few issues desperately in need of an advocate and get started. We may discover new friends and colleagues along the way!
SUNDAY, February 2
HOW DO I MAKE IT RIGHT? Doing Justice in a Broken World
by Tracy Young
Chapter 5: Doing Justice Today - All Things New
Revelation 21:3-4 MSG
I heard a voice thunder from the Throne: “Look! Look! God has moved into the neighborhood, making his home with men and women! They’re his people, he’s their God. He’ll wipe every tear from their eyes. Death is gone for good—tears gone, crying gone, pain gone—all the first order of things gone.”
Every day that we commit to live with an attitude of justice, that we challenge ourselves to act on behalf of those who suffer, we are a part of the promise from Revelation. We are making all things new and bringing in the Kingdom of God. We might not see the final results, but we are part of the transformation. As teachers we often don't see the 'end product', but we lay seeds and hope they will bear fruit. There is nothing more rewarding than to meet up with a former student years later and have them say, 'your class made a difference in my life'. Such it shall be with the Kingdom of Heaven. Someday we will see the change.
Oscar Romero, slain Archbishop of San Salvador, wrote:
"We plant the seeds that one day will grow. We water seeds already planted, knowing that they hold future promise. We lay foundations that will need further development. We provide yeast that produces effects far beyond our capabilities. We cannot do everything, and there is a sense of liberation in realizing that. This enables us to do something, and to do it very well. It may be incomplete, but it is a beginning, a step along the way, an opportunity for the Lord's grace to enter and do the rest."Our small, individual acts of justice, may be those doors through which God will enter. What a marvelous thought! Is God waiting for me to crack the door of injustice? It is time to get busy. It is time to put the book down (I've finished it!) and get started. Amen and amen!!
