Living the Word
Securing Justice
By Peter B. Price
"Gods saving justice is never served by human
anger," points out James in his letter to Christians
struggling against the power structures that threatened to
consume the Christian community. The readings of the next few
weeks reveal the struggle between the forces of sins in the
human heart, the principalities and powers, the saving grace
of God, and the vision of a restored and renewed creation.
We shall have to face choices: whether to place our trust
in the political, economic, social, and eccleisal structures
that offer us the promise of security now, or to opt for the
One who has the words of eternal life. We too will need to
face our sin, our complicity, our own betrayal of the One who
"came to bring the good news of peace" (Ephesians
2:17). The only justice worth securing is that of Gods
saving justice. May Gods strength be made perfect in
our weakness.
August 10
Speak Truth to one
Another
Psalm 130; 2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33;
Ephesians 4:25-5:2; John 6:35, 41-51
"For my sake treat young Absalom gently." The heartfelt cry of
a father, David, toward a devious and rebellious son is unheeded
by those who have been charged with putting down a costly
rebellion. In their heart of hearts they are glad to see Absalom
dead, and the words of one messenger sums up all their feelings:
"May all who rise up to harm you share the fate of that young man"
(2 Samuel 18:5, 32).
It is uncertain whether or not there is a connection between
Psalm 130, David's reaction to the death of his son, and the
impact of the destructiveness unleashed in his kingdom, first
through his own actions, and then those of his offspring. But the
question raised, "If you kept a record of our sins, Lord, who
could stand their ground?" (Psalm 130:3) is a salutary reminder of
the deadliness of sin in the human condition and our constant need
for grace.
Paul requires of the faith communities a reordering of
behavior. From now on there must be no more lies. Speak the truth
to one another. Lying, anger, theft, foul talk, bitterness, anger,
bad temper, shouting, and abuse (Ephesians 4:25-30) are all
prohibited behavior for the Christian community. Oh! that it were
so! During the movement to end nuclear weapons and the arms trade,
one wise observer reflected, "There is enough anger in the peace
movement to start World War III all by itself!" The priority of
the people of God is generosity, sympathy, and forgiveness in the
way that God forgave us in Christ.
The community of God's people is also to be a place of sexual
integrity (Ephesians 5:1-5). Sexual behavior that runs counter to
the gospel provides a constant challenge to the community of
faith. We are bidden to recall that our gratification is the bread
of life, which is given for the life of the world (John 6:51). The
behavior of Christians in all matters should not hinder the
feeding of the world; and where it has, we should cry from the
depths for God's forgiveness in order that God may be revered.
Reflection and Action
How is your faith community obeying the injunctions of Paul in
its lifestyle and behavior? How do you deal with behavior that
exposes the community to criticism, ridicule, or the dishonoring
of God's name?
PETER B. PRICE is general secretary of the United Society
for the Propagation of the Gospel, an Anglican mission agency
based in London, and practiceswith his wife, Deea ministry of
hospitality.