This is a follow-up post that I wrote last week. For those of us who desire to seek justice and show compassion, it’s really easy to be consumed by all the issues that our world is facing. If we are going to make a long-term impact, we are going to have to view our life like a distance runner (not a sprinter) and embrace certain aspects that will be beneficial.
Evil Exists: This is hard to embrace, but it’s true. As follower of Jesus, we desire to bring light to dark places, but if we are going to do that, we will have to look evil in the eye and experience the pain that comes along with it.
Theology: It’s easy for us to seek justice when we realize it’s Biblical, every Christ-follower is called to seek justice, do good and show compassion. (Isaiah 1:17)
Rhythm & Rest: Jesus himself would leave the crowds and all their needs to seek the Father, spend time with friends, eat good food and rest. If Jesus needed to find a rhythm and rest, then so do we.
Empowered by the Spirit: Matt 11-28-30: Jesus’ yoke is light. In other words, I seek justice and compassion with the strength of Christ; I seek the Holy Spirit’s power to supernaturally help me! If I choose not to do this, I will quit and forgo the pain and frustration that walks closely with all justice seekers. But if God is leading me, even in the worst conditions, I can trust Him, and rely on His power & strength, not my own.
It’s okay to be normal: (Yes, its hard to define normal) Rest in what God has given you, just don’t horde it for yourself. We see this in O.T. festivals, Jesus’ life, and Paul’s writings. We are free in Christ and God wants us to walk in that freedom and blessing. The key here is the heart and balance. Giving and sacrifice is required, but it’s all within a “Spirit of freedom,” not of guilt or condemnation!
A new world is coming: Someday, it’s all going to get better. Begin with the end in mind. We seek justice for today, yet we also know and embrace that there is another life that brings ultimate peace to all those who suffer! If show compassion, a better world is coming today, but a perfect world is coming someday. So as we seek justice, let us realize that the most important thing we can do is lead people to the cross and into a relationship with the Jesus. At the end-of-the day, it’s always about the Gospel, it’s always about “knowing” Jesus, his love, grace, truth, power and life.
So together, let us journey in this life, as we seek Gospel Justice for all those who suffer, let us choose to use our passion, gifts, and resources to serve humanity!
I like what you said about being normal. For the past month and a half I’ve wrestled with trying to make myself have more impact on the people around me and to do more stuff that matters…and in the process I ignored the gifts that God had already given me to allow me to do just those things. I’ve finally become OK with just being who I am, and doing what I do…and I’ve realized that God uses normal people doing normal things to accomplish Kingdom work too!