Deuteronomy 32:4 He is the Rock, His work is perfect; For all His ways are justice, A God of truth and without injustice; Righteous and upright is He.
This week there have been articles, news reports, from corporations pledging their allegiance to support all things pertaining to “black lives matter” and social justice causes. I received a few emails this past week in reference to this from companies making their statement on racial discrimination. I read and hear what’ the companies say, and think, “please stop because I’ve heard this before.”
The problem is we’re trying to put a bandaid on a gushing wound with the rallying cry of “social justice”.
I’m not trying to be cavalier or dismissive of the horrific events that have taken place in our country these past weeks. I’m grieved that it has taken the death of another unarmed Black man‘s life for this country to “wake up” to the injustice of so many people of color.
However, the response from corporations to the injustice we see is very much the usual rhetoric of “how dismayed and saddened they are by the events in our country” and that they’re “committed to change“, etc…
Having said that, let me just share with you some snippets from a few emails I received from companies:
- We stand with Black families, communities and our team members and are committed to ongoing resources that advance social justice
- …announced commitments to drive national change with a $50 million pledge over the next five years focused on directly impacting racial injustice issues, strengthening our communities
- We at ….. are deeply saddened by the series of disturbing and tragic events that have taken place over the last few weeks related to the violence and injustice toward the Black community
- As a company, we’re committed to speaking up and taking action against discrimination.
This was a headline from the Seattle Times about Amazon’s response: Amazon works with Black employees group to distribute $10 million to social justice efforts
It’s wonderful that companies are speaking out against racism and injustice. It speaks to a much larger issue in our society including the church. Society has become wounded by numerous atrocities. The holocaust, slavery, racism, not to mention sexism, and every other “ism”. The problem is we’re trying to put a bandaid on a gushing wound with a rallying cry of “social justice”.
Our way of dealing with the wrongs of this world is not necessarily beneficial.
What is the Biblical view of Social Justice?
Proverbs 14:12 tells us that there is a way that seems right to a man, but its end leads to destruction.
In many cases, we see our way also leads to death. Look no further than the riots and looting that has taken place across the nation, to see that this Scripture is on target.
For the solution to the problem of discrimination and injustice, we have to look to God for the solution.
What, then, is the Christian view of social justice?
Again we have to turn God for the answer to that question:
Deuteronomy 32:4 He is the Rock, His work is perfect; For all His ways are justice, A God of truth and without injustice; Righteous and upright is He.
God is a God of justice. Justice is a recurring theme throughout the Bible in the Old and New Testament. God is a father to the fatherless, and one who cares for widows and orphans. These were people in Scripture who had no real support system.
It’s imperative in times like these we do not forget that God is sovereign over the affairs of men. We will never experience on this side of life true justice and equality for everyone.
If by “social justice” we mean that society has a moral obligation to care for those less fortunate, then that is correct. God knows that. Jesus Himself was a reflection of this.
It’s a heart issue.
Jesus came to change our hearts not the government. He came to point people to the Kingdom of God.
Jesus’ purpose was to preach the Gospel. The Gospel through the power of the Holy Spirit is what transforms us and changes our hearts.
He preached the saving power of the gospel and the transforming work of the Holy Spirit.
The solution to the problem of any type of injustice or unrest is to look at our hearts. Humanity’s issue is not a social justice issue. It’s a heart issue. Friends the heart of the issue is sin. We must look at ourselves.
Before we push for change and social justice, we will have to change our hearts.
Let us love our neighbor and love our enemies because Christ first loved us (1 John 4:19). Our hearts need to be filled with love, not hate then we will see true social justice.
Be Encouraged!
Stephanie
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