Theory on Perversion of Social Justice

I have been thinking a lot about the Social Justice movement going on in our culture. First, I must say that I LOVE it when Christians get their eyes off of themselves and onto serving others. It is not only healthy for them, but it is a matter of obedience and service to the Lord. (Matthew 25:31-46).

Over the past several years there has been a growing trend in the area of social justice in our culture. The up and coming generation is devoted and excited about the idea of impacting this world for good. Not since the wave of social consciousness of the 60's has there been this type of excitement and involvement. I think our young people are not only more aware of the needs in the world, but also see that there is a lack of fulfillment and a general frustration with living a life only for one's self. All of that is great, truly. However, the idea of justice itself is rooted in a Holy God and Creator of all things. The very notion of Justice flows from the idea of righteousness and judgment. The expression of that idea must therefore be rooted in God's definition and vision for its implementation. In other words, 'what does God say is right or wrong?'

You don't venture too far in this area before you start tripping over post-modernist relativity. the stuff of "your truth is fine for you," etc. ad nauseam. But there is some merit there. Those who just want to "help someone" might wind up hurting them. For example, in the West we tend to look at the problems in developing countries as a "lack of stuff" problem. Certainly that is part of the equation, but not even close to the real answer.

The diversion (and perversion) that I am concerned about is the idea of Justice apart from the Just One's direction. I often use the Cross as an example of a correct emphasis from the believer outward from themselves. The majority of the focus in a Believer's life should be vertical toward God in worship, prayer, adoration, study, fellowship, etc. As a result (not an addition to) there is an overflowing outward in service to the people, community and culture around you. Without the filling and refreshing that comes from "abiding in the Vine," the fruit and effectiveness that one desires from their acts of service soon dry up or become distorted. Perhaps part of the issue is that people feel so disconnected from God and are trying to prove that they are "good" and don't need God for that as the current atheist agenda is asserting. Jesus said that apart from Him we can do nothing.

Recently in our area there is a local center that has been helping people for decades with food, shelter, job counseling and other services. It was started by a group of local churches to pool their resources and be more effective together. It is called the Lakewood Christian Service Center. We have supported it faithfully since I arrived as pastor at West Shore Church. Now because of funding issues with the government they are renaming themselves and taking the word "Christian" out of it. No doubt from some misguided and perverted cultural sense of not wanting to offend anyone.

On the surface it sounds noble and sympathetic. It is in fact a travesty. To neglect (and even cut off!) the greatest need of humanity, namely salvation through the redeeming death of Jesus Christ for the whole world, is incredibly short-sighted and a betrayal of the One who formed the idea of Justice for all.


“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." (John 15:1–5, TNIV)

(http://www.youversion.com/bible/tniv/john/15/1-5)