Justice comes…
Politics and elections seem to be all that are in the news these days. Everyone seems to have an idea of what their government should do for them and how the government needs to fix things. While I think we need to take a stand for issues in our country, when do we stop looking to the government to fix things and step up and do something? This is true in the church as well. Looking back at the churches I’ve attended I can recall many times of passing around petitions to stand against the government. When are we going to stop telling the world all the things the church stands against and instead tell everyone about the love, grace, and mercy of Jesus. I could ramble on for awhile about this topic, but instead I thought I would insert a section from The Voice Project’s John, written and translated by Chris Seay. The section I am including isn’t a translation or paraphrased section from John, but is the author, speaking in first person as the disciple John. It is written following Jesus telling His disciples about the Holy Spirit coming as a helper in John 15. Click Here to find out more about these books.
“As Jesus warns us of the mistreatment we can expect, He disarms our fears by reminding us of the most important things. If the Spirit is in us, we have no reason to fear. In fact, the church will thrive under persecution. Yet, we are obsessed with power and political prominence as a means to influence the culture. As Christian citizens, we have an obligation to actively strive for justice and freedom. But how will that happen? Listen carefully, for this is the wisdom God has given to each generation. Lasting justice and morality cannot be lobbied for or legislated. It is a result of the Holy Spirit’s work in the lives of those of us who learn that God loves us. So take heed, lest we forget these import labors are always secondary to the gospel and at times even affect the cause of the Liberating King negatively. True Christianity, the real work of the Kingdom, often thrives under fierce attack and opposition. Jesus announced this coming persecution to us, His followers, believing this will lead to our finest hour.”
I hope you caught that.
