The men’s room in a certain church had one of those hot air hand dryers hanging on the wall. Someone had affixed a hand-written sign to the equipment. It read, “To hear the sermon from last Sunday again, press here.” 

The subject of justice is often a difficult one. It often feels like a lot of hot air. Through the years, messages on justice in the church have caused considerable grief and discomfort. “Too much politics,” people say, or “too many social issues.” But justice has also brought challenge to the church. 

The General Board of Church and Society is the most controversial general board in the United Methodist Church. This past week the General Board of Church and Society issued a statement denouncing the proposed federal budget for 2005 and 2006. Here's what they said:

“Federal Budget is a moral document, and a statement as to what and who we value. Jesus makes it clear that perpetrating economic injustice is among the gravest of sins. This budget takes Jesus’ economic teaching and stands it on its head.” 

That’s a pretty strong statement. It’s probably one of the reasons why there is a call to disband the United Methodist General Board of Church and Society every four years at General Conference. 

However, Cabinet Level Christian Living requires a Department of Justice. Justice is one of the consistent themes in Scripture. We sometimes think that justice is a liberal agenda. But it’s laced all through the Bible. Justice is a very religious word. Isaiah says, “For the Lord is a God of justice.” Or again, from Isaiah, “Zion shall be redeemed by justice.” The prophet Jeremiah writes, “Execute justice in the morning.” (Almost as though he is saying you need to start the day with a concern for justice.) The prophet Hosea writes, “Hold fast to love and justice.” Amos says, “Don’t bring me your worship unless justice flows from you freely.” The prophet Micah adds in a familiar reading, “You now know what is good: to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” (It’s no accident that justice is the first thing he mentions.) 

Jesus called us to hunger and thirst for “the right” to prevail. I am convinced that what he meant was for justice to prevail. We see it again in the text for today, where Jesus says, “You have neglected the weightier matters of justice, mercy and faith.” It’s all there in Scripture. 

So what can we say about justice in Cabinet Level Christian Living? 

IT IS CONTROVERSIAL 

First, we have to admit that it is controversial. Almost all justice issues are controversial: abortion, the rights of same-sex-oriented persons, capital punishment, poverty, racism. There was even a subject debated this week on the minimum wage. That too is controversial. There are always multiple viewpoints, even in the church. If one happens to be a “conflict avoider,” it’s probably best to stay away from such topics. 

I saw a sign somewhere which read, “When you are in over your head, it’s best to keep your mouth shut.” That seems like good advice, until you take a close look at Jesus. 

JUSTICE CANNOT BE IGNORED 

Justice may well be controversial, but it cannot be ignored. Justice has a central place in the heart and nature of God. Clearly, justice is a Biblically based theme. Whether we like it or not, whether it’s political or not, whether it’s controversial or not. 

When we examine the heart of God, we find a passion for justice. And we find it throughout the Bible. 

Bishop Desmond Tutu once said,

“Frequently I have been attacked for being involved in politics. I used to say, ‘I wish I knew what Bible they are reading! Because the Bible I read is quite clear.’” 

William Sloane Coffin is one of the prophetic voices of the 20^th century. He is now in failing health, living somewhere in New England. A few years ago he wrote a book called A Passion for the Possible. In an epilogue to the book, he addressed his concern to clergy. This is what he said.

Perhaps this will surprise some of you, but like most of you I much prefer pastoral counseling to prophetic preaching… and whenever possible, I believe we should challenge people kindly. Nothing, for example, prevents any of us, in the middle of the sermon, from saying, “What I now want to say is hard for me. So I can imagine how painful it’s going to be for some of you to hear. But here we are in church, where unity is based not on agreement but on mutual concern. So let me tell you what’s on my mind and heart, and after the service, those of you who disagree can bring your coffee into the library and tell me where you think I went wrong.”[i] 

WE MUST LISTEN TO SCRIPTURE 

What we have to do is listen to the Scripture. How did God’s people face justice issues over 2000 years? Remember the Bible is not written by God. The Bible is written by God’s people, trying to come to grips with issues. Men and women were trying to discern what God might be saying in the midst of the issues of life. 

We have to listen to what God says to us through these writings. That’s why each week we say in worship—after the Scripture is read—“Hear what the Spirit is saying to the church.” We listen to how people of old faced justice issues. We listen carefully to Jesus’ parables and teachings. We try to hear what God might be saying to us. 

Many of you may not know that in the United Methodist Church we have something called the Social Principles document. It’s a small booklet of less than 50 pages. It represents the best wisdom of the church as to what God is saying to us in the 21^st century. The Social Principles document has been written and re-examined every four years since 1908. Listen to an opening statement from the document.

The Social Principles are a prayerful and thoughtful effort on the part of the [United Methodist Church] to speak to the human issues in the contemporary world from a sound Biblical and theological foundation as historically demonstrated in our traditions. They are intended to be instructive and persuasive in the best of the prophetic Spirit. The Social Principles are a call to all members of the United Methodist Church to a prayerful, studied dialogue of faith and practice.[ii] 

The Social Principles document is a very unique and special piece of writing. Jesus says we cannot ignore the weightier matters of justice, mercy and faith. 

APPLY THE VALUES 

After reading and listening to Scripture, we try to apply the values with humility and wisdom. We have no right to be afraid to address these issues as a part of the faith journey. 

For example, what does it mean to see the widening gap between the rich and poor in America and in the world? Such a gap comes under severe criticism by the Biblical prophets. They would say over and over again, “Don’t you see what’s happening?” 

Some of you may remember the comedy team of Tom and Dick Smothers and the Smothers Brothers Hour on television a number of years ago. Sometimes their dialogue was humorous. Often it was barbed. One that I remember went something like this: Tommy Smothers appears, looking miserable, despondent and dejected. “I am worried,” he says. 

Dick responds, “What are you worried about? Are you worried about so much poverty in the world?" 

“No, that’s not the problem,” says Tom.  

“Are you worried about the threat of nuclear attack?” 

“No, that’s not it either.” 

“Are you worried about the use of drugs and alcohol in the country?” 

“No, that’s not my concern either.” 

“Well Tommy, what is it that’s bothering you?” 

Comes the response, “I’m worried about our apathy.” 

That was exactly the point of the Hebrew prophets. The rich were getting richer. The poor were getting poorer. And nobody cared! The prophet said, “This angers, saddens, and hurts the heart of God.” Too easily we forget that God is a God with a passion for justice for the poor. 

Philip Yancey wrote,

The Hebrew prophets sounded the loudest alarms during times when ancient Israel appeared to be thriving. Whenever the economy boomed and peace prevailed, the Israelites tended less and less to spiritual matters. In the prophets’ phrase, “they forgot God.” 

Have you ever noticed that the only time Jesus ever told about someone being in hell was in a story he told about a man who ignored the poor? Have you ever noticed that the only description Jesus gives of Judgment Day is in terms of how we respond to the poor, the hungry, and the homeless? 

Or what about our passion for gaming and gambling opportunities in Pennsylvania? Frankly, the Bible says very little about gambling. But clearly, such gambling exploits the poor and is highly addictive. The push is on now to go beyond the slot machines (even before slot machines really exist in Pennsylvania). Some advocates want poker and Blackjack and table games. Even the secular press is deeply concerned. So must we be. It is a justice issue. 

Or what about same sex attraction and relationships? Did you know that the word “homosexuality” is never found in the Bible, not even once? There are several references to same sex prostitution and promiscuity. Clearly, God wants the high moral ground here. But it is also clear that Jesus welcomed everyone to his table. I believe we can assume with integrity that that included gay and lesbian persons. There is not even a hint in Jesus’ teaching or life of rejection or judgment. 

Should we wait until we are absolutely sure on these issues? How patient will God be with us? Someone once said, “Thinking draws a lot of blood to the brain. That’s why when you think about something too long, you may get cold feet.” 

We listen to the Scriptures and then we apply what we hear with as much wisdom and humility as possible. 

WHERE TO BEGIN 

So where do you start? Where do you begin? You may remember the definition we use for discipleship here at Christ Church: “To witness to Jesus Christ through acts of worship, devotion, compassion and justice under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.” Some may ask, which of these is most important? John Wesley would answer, “They are all important. But we ought to consider the most difficult ones first.” Clearly, justice is avoided or delayed because it is difficult. 

Is there a place, then, to start in all of this? Is there a word to us from God right now? Perhaps there is no definitive word, but there is a clear signal in Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus’ first sermon preached in Nazareth said something like this: “The spirit of the Lord is upon me to preach good news to the poor, proclaim liberty to the captives, and to set free the oppressed.” (See Luke 4:18) 

You and I may not be able to change the world. We may not be able to change America, or even Pittsburgh. But we can start in our own souls. Someone has said, “Few of us will ever be called to do great things. But all of us can do small things in a great way.” I came across a piece of writing by Bill Hybels, who is the pastor of the Willow Creek Community Church. This is the way he tells the story.

I was on a roll. I had spent the morning at a little restaurant down by the marina where I often go to study. God’s voice had been so fresh and so vibrant, and I felt so alive that it was incredible… With the exuberant rush of a good morning of work behind me, I put on my running clothes and left our cottage for my usual run. I had quickly settled into my normal gait, when I spotted a familiar elderly man up ahead. I don’t know how many times I had passed him by as he pulled cans out of the garbage behind the yacht club.

I kept running, another mile behind me now, as the stiffness began to work it’s way out of my legs. I began praying: Lord, I invite you to speak to me in this moment. If you have something to say to me, I want to hear it.” I was so grateful for the morning’s productivity. I felt the least I could do was silence my heart long enough to hear God’s voice. And then it came.

“Remember the garbage picker?” God’s voice said to me.

“Yes. How could I forget? I see him practically every day,” I said.

“Good,” said God. “If you see him again, love him.” God’s words were gentle, but I felt as if I was having a spiritual heart attack.”[iii] 

Sometimes God does strike us with a spiritual heart attack. God will guide you into the everyday events of life and help you know how to respond. 

More than 25 years ago a group of Christ Church members wrote a mission statement for this congregation. I’ve always appreciated the closing lines of that statement: “The challenge for Christ Church… is to be a living model of hope, justice and joy.” 

Note that justice is sandwiched between hope and joy. That’s a good position for it. Each of us and all of us together must be a living model of hope, justice, and joy. We dream with God for a just society which brings hope and joy. 

“Let justice roll down like waters,” cries the Old Testament prophet. Let justice roll from our lips, from our hearts, and from our actions. Never be afraid to make justice a high priority on the Christian journey.