Our spiritual formation – our being transformed into the image of Jesus – has three essential spheres: personal, corporate, and social. How painfully challenging is this word from the late Robert Mulholland? “Corporate spirituality will wither on the vine if it does not reach out into the world.” 

So here we are talking a lot of social justice during this season of Ordinary Time at Monroe Free Methodist. When I talk about justice in our Christian circles, there may be a few who push back entirely, thinking this social justice stuff is just a leftist political agenda. To these folks let me just say this is in itself a politically-charged criticism and, I would venture, is a way the Deceiver keeps us from actually following in the way of Jesus.

Jesus was all about compassion and justice and the minorities and underprivileged. Jesus was deeply engaged in political upheaval, faithfully seeking to dismantle the systems that result in mistreatment, poverty, and oppression. 

I’m willing to bet most of the rest of us, you and me, fall into a more subtly dangerous camp on the issue of establishing God’s justice all around us. We are fine endorsing the idea of justice, but when working for justice might have a negative effect on our comfort, our wealth, our property, our rights, or our opportunities, we run the other way. 

Issues of justice are going to necessitate an all-in mentality from us. The type of economy Jesus came to build is one of generosity and enough-ness, and this is going to rattle our own tiny kingdoms. Because, as John Perkins says:

Justice is always about what one owns.

So would you be willing to buy into Jesus’ economic plan if it meant redistributing your hard-earned wealth and resources so no one has to go without? Would you be willing to advocate for affordable housing in your neighborhood if it means your home’s value will take a hit?

These are the types of uncomfortable questions we have to face in ourselves. With a heated election season and emotions running hot, may we take time to ask the Holy Spirit to uncover the unholy ideas within us and grant us wisdom and courage to move forward. May our votes be in favor of Jesus’ Kingdom, establishing God’s justice all around us.