In the social justice arena, the Christian is confronted with the Micah (6:8) Challenge. God expects justice, mercy and humility from each of us. With the spirit of Christ, we need to be a champion for social justice in our own worlds, in our spheres of influence. To fulfill this challenge, it’s necessary that we assess our readiness. It all starts with understanding, awareness, and a commitment to address systemic inequalities and to make a positive difference.
What about your personal readiness to be a champion for social justice? Rate yourself on a scale of 1-5, as to your effectiveness in each of the five areas; with 1 being poor and 5 being proficient.
Ethics and Values: I understand that my positions on social justice issues must ultimately be based on the principles of God’s Word and my internal convictions. I can act with boldness and courage because I am Bible-based and spiritually grounded.
Awareness and Education: I know Christian profession doesn’t exclude me from understanding the root causes of social problems and how to make a difference. Am I informed about current events, historical injustices, and the experiences of marginalized communities?
Justice and Fairness: At the heart of justice is being sensitive to issues of equity, especially to those facing discrimination. Do I support the fair spread of resources and opportunities? Do I help to identify barriers and biases that may block marginalized and underrepresented groups (see box list)?
- Age and Generational Fairness
- Digital and Information Access
- Education Resource Access
- Economic and Labor Fairness
- Gender Fairness
- Healthcare and Disability Resources and Fairness
- Immigration and Refugee Rights
- Racial, Ethnic, and Cultural Inclusion and Equity
- Legal and Law Enforcement Access and Fairness
- Religious Liberty
Resolution and Dialogue: Being poised to engage in constructive dialogue and to courageously address conflicts is crucial. Am I willing to stretch myself and navigate difficult conversations, understand multiple viewpoints, and find common ground to foster understanding and collaboration?
Assessing personal readiness to help those in need will help you to be a genuine social justice champion. By aligning your perspectives and practices with the example of Christ, the ultimate model, you will be effective and successful. Christ shared the good news and freedom of His Kingdom by releasing the oppressed, healing, granting freedom, and the offering of temporal and eternal redemption (Luke 4:15-19).
