Can you care about all the social justice issues in the U.S.?
Social justice issues in our world today are ever growing. There's a massive list of them, ranging from the economy to racism to politics and more
So much injustice exists in our world today, but here's the thing: If you have a heart for the Lord, you have a heart for these things too. If you're passionate about God's kingdom, you care about human trafficking victims as much as you care about how to get more people into church on Sunday mornings.
Let’s discuss how we can become more active on these social justice issues.
Charity begins at home
The parable of Jesus about the good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37 teaches us about being sensitive to our surroundings. Pay attention to what God has called you to do right where you dwell, in the home and the local community. Begin from where you are and do what you can.
If we are not charitable to our family, how can we expect to be generous to other people?
If we don't help our parents, how can we help others?
If we don't take responsibility for our children, how can we love others?
It's great to be on a social justice mission, but if you don't know where to begin, start by being more aware of random occasions to help someone around you.
You will begin to see that many opportunities for social justice, kindness and charity are all around you, even in the supermarket.
Join a community
Being part of a community solves very many issues at hand. Together we stand; divided we fall. You cannot fight alone in this battle; being engaged in a group solves a lot of issues quicker. Do not cultivate a messiah complex of believing you have answers to all the problems in the United States. Play a small part and engage others so that you can move together. Fighting for justice in the community is a proposition that is as old as the Bible.
Ecclesiastes 4:12 (MSG) states, "By yourself you're unprotected. With a friend, you can face the worst. Can you round up a third? A three-stranded rope isn't easily snapped." Jesus sent His disciples in pairs; we should also strive to work as a community and fight for justice together.
From the perspective of the Scriptures, laboring for justice is done best in the context of a community. There is a saying: Go alone if you want to go fast, but go in a group if you want to go far.
Balance your life
You cannot be anywhere and everywhere in this life simultaneously. You need to take a break and have your own time. Try to balance everything without forgetting that your loved ones also need you. You cannot focus entirely on justice to the point that you forget you also have a life and that life needs rest. God rested on a Sabbath day, and He made the Sabbath for a reason.
Prioritize your faith
It is possible to get lost in the joy, pain and resistance that social justice work can bring. We need to keep the Lord and our faith first in all our progress working through the social justice issues list.
Remember that you do everything as unto the Lord, sowing seeds that help people live better and come to know Jesus. Social justice activities can be both inspirational and discouraging at times because of thinking about all that needs to change and plowing through resistance. Putting your faith at the forefront relieves the pressure.
Seek God every day in prayer and Bible study, which helps you stay focused on doing His will in all things. You’ll also keep a good sense about when to move forward or slow your pace as you spend time with God.
Stay connected with others who share your passion for social justice by attending church services, joining a small group or meeting people working toward the same goals. This can help keep you motivated and encouraged by seeing how much good you accomplish together as a group of believers.
Prepare and take action
Justice is not passive. There is a lot on the social justice issues list. Start with something you feel comfortable with, and build on that over time.
Here are a few ideas to take action on:
Racial justice
Care about and be friends with those who do not belong to your race, and give them a listening ear. Hold your government accountable for any racial discrimination. Challenge discrimination when you see it happening more personally and locally.
Poverty
Help the needy according to God’s riches in glory. Help them in the ways that God has blessed you, such as with food, clothing, housing and transportation. Seek to meet needs through donations to organizations that help feed and clothe the poor.
Human trafficking
Report any human trafficking, and educate yourself on what it entails. It happens around us all the time. However, when we become aware of the methods, we may spot an incident right before our eyes and do something about it.
Environmental justice
Contribute to the conservation of the environment. “Reduce, reuse and recycle” might sound cliche or cheesy, but it’s ever so necessary. Plant some trees. Hold classes and workshops that teach your community how to better care for the environment.
Animal rights
Preserve the earth by taking care of animals. Feed and shelter them. Be an activist of animal protection, and condemn poaching.
Women’s rights
Resist domestic violence. Support movements teaching women to protect and care for themselves in harmful situations. Teach on the need for the love of one another as Christ loved us.
Refugees
Assist in the needs of refugees. Encourage political representatives to treat them with dignity. Help cover their medical bills or give them a place to stay if you can. You can donate needed items to various organizations that outreach to them.
Don't feel overwhelmed by all that there is to do. Commit to something on the social justice issues list that resonates with you, and see what God does! We can make a significant dent if we just do a little and consistently do it.
Centerpoint Church is ready to walk with you on your faith journey
At Centerpoint, our community believes in purpose and passion, and we would love to walk with you on your journey in finding yours. You can also find out what our community’s drive and passion are all about by checking out some of the past sermons we’ve posted on our website.
Do you want to grow in your faith, or are you curious about who this Jesus guy is? You’re not alone. We encourage you to listen to our podcast series online and welcome you to come to one of our Sunday morning services in Valrico, Florida.