If you genuinely want to see justice in this world, it’s going to have to start in the right places. There are many ways we go about seeking it, and most of those avenues lead us on wild goose chases or to dead ends. We often see people who are wronged and immediately become outraged. The emotion of the moment fuels rage and discontent. And we take up the fight for the cause.
Sounds admirable, right?
Sure. But we’re often only seeing a part of the picture in our pursuit for justice. Often, we are looking with only the lens that says “person x is being unjustly treated – I am going to demonstrate my angst.” Rarely, though, do we acknowledge that we might, in fact, be contributing to the source of that injustice.
Starting with the Man in the Mirror
One of my all time favorite Michael Jackson songs is Man in the Mirror. The lyrics really drive home several points. For instance, when we turn up the collar of our “winter coats” yet fail to meet the growing needs of those who are without, we see our own desires for sufficiency even as we view those less equipped for the harsh winters of life.
There are people going without. If we think otherwise, we’re selfish and only fooling ourselves.
Take a look at yourself and then make the change
You gotta get it right, while you got the time
’Cause when you close your heart
Then you close your…mind!
How long can we go through life ignoring the plight of man? It’s happening even when we think we’re doing something about it.
Start Looking With a Mirror If You’re Seeking Justice in the World
How do we Bring True Justice?
If we want to see true justice in our world, we need to look with the right filters. We need to be able to apply God’s word to personal problems as well as social problems. We need to seek to really deliver the oppressed from their oppression.
We must strive for and bring about both mercy and kindness to one another.
Even more pressing, we must seek not to take advantage of the shortcomings of others. That is what it is meant when the minor prophet suggests “do not plot evil” in the verses above.
Take a Good Look in the Mirror – What do You See?
How often have you pointed out every reason for a person or person’s shortcomings without really knowing their situation? It’s very easy to say “get a job,” or “get off the hooch,” or “stop wasting your money on X,” when we know nothing of their personal situation. I am sure that person could just as easily cast a stone right back at you!
Look in the mirror… what do you see?
Remember, you are a child of God. Made in his image. So too is the person you just scoffed or blatantly ignored while contented in your winter coat.