What Christians Should Do About Social Justice
The Myth: “Christians don’t need to care about social justice.”
The person with the sign was standing at the corner on my way to work again today. It’s not always the same person, but the signs are basically the same: “Unemployed vet. Please help.” Or “Children need food. Any amount will help!” I ignore them. They are probably just out to scam the gullible people driving by.
I know the Bible talks about helping the poor, but I don’t think that applies to these people with the signs or the homeless people I see wandering downtown. Those people just need to take a shower and go get a job. Or get off their drugs.
I don’t actually say that out loud, but I think it. And yeah, I know there are some pretty desperate cases out there. People with legitimate needs. Mentally ill or disabled people who can’t work. They do need help. And even though I’m not a big believer in the idea that the government is supposed to solve every problem in society, that is what our taxes should go toward. And they do. I know that there are lots of ways that poor people get help. There are food pantries and government payments for rent. So most of the poor people don’t need my money.
The Truth
When the heavenly kingdom comes, the Bible teaches that everyone will have plenty, and life will be good for all. Until then, in our fallen world that has rejected God’s rule, people will suffer from the effects of sin. What is our responsibility to those in need? Can the people of God look the other way when we see real needs?
Consider This
Read Leviticus 19:9–10. Why do you think God included this among the laws for the nation of Israel?
Jesus told his followers to give to the poor (Luke 12:33). What are some practical ways you can live out this command?
God allowed the people of Israel and Judah to go into captivity because they turned away from him and mistreated the vulnerable in their midst (Eze 22:23–31). When you think about justice, can you identify what structures are in place in your society that oppress the poor? How can you educate yourself about poverty in your community? Talk to someone who works with under-resourced people and get some book or blog recommendations so you can learn more about helping others.
Read and ponder advice from the book of Proverbs (19:17; 28:27; 29:7).
Social Justice is a Special Concern
God has special concern for three groups of people: foreigners, widows, and orphans (Ex 22:21–24). Use a concordance or online concordance to find all the places in the Bible where God tells his people to care for these groups. Now ask yourself how you can show your care for foreigners, widows, and orphans in your community.
Volunteer your time. Does your church or community have any ongoing outreach to under-resourced people in your area? Why not commit to helping for a certain amount of time?
Carefully consider your financial support for trusted organizations; do your research before you give. Make sure you are helping and not hurting those most vulnerable.
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Content adapted from Rooted: The NIV Bible for Men. Myths articles expose commonly accepted myths of our culture that many men believe. Each article opens with the first-person story of a man who believes a particular myth and how that affects his life. Then, principles from the Bible refute the myth and offer practical guidance and help.
