The Poetry Of JusticeSample

Every time we try to impress others with our spiritual prowess, or act out of our own religious confidence, we nurture disaster. It’s not long before our ‘holy charade’ shatters and our sinful nature emerges: ugly, violent, wicked fists strike at anyone who gets in our way, as verse 4 suggests.

No wonder many who don’t yet believe in Christ shy away from the Gospel: the fighting and quarrelling within the church do more damage than we can imagine. And no wonder Isaiah chastises: ‘you cannot act like this and expect God to hear you.’

Even our best efforts can hurt others, especially if our reputation keeps us from examining our hearts. The call to justice, then, always means laying down our power and opening our hands to learn and serve from a posture of humility—just as Christ, though in the form of God, emptied himself and became a servant for us.

In what creative or inviting ways could your church serve your community from a posture of humility?