Social Justiceਨਮੂਨਾ

Practicing what we preach

Amongst the weird and wonderful wildlife of South America, there is a minnow-like fish called ‘Four Eyes’. It has bifocal lenses that enable it to cruise along the water surface surveying the view beneath the water and above the water. Which is much like the ability we need if we are to be true followers of Jesus. On the one hand we live in a world of spirits and angels, of grace and judgement. A world of certain creeds and beliefs. On the other hand, we live in a here-and-now world of wars and tyranny, of injustice and deprivation.

We cannot afford to immerse ourselves in profound spiritual truths and engage in sometimes trivial debate about our doctrines while neglecting our roles as citizens of the world. Then again, if we are to make a positive difference in our world, we need to be solidly anchored in the life and teachings of Jesus.

An old saying tells us that we can be so heavenly minded that we are of no earthly use. But we can also be so engaged in our world that we become little more than religious social workers who have no distinctive message to convey.

James in our passage today reminds us that just talking about our faith is so much hot air. Our faith needs to be put into action if it is genuine. Words might come easy, but improving our world does not come cheap.

Written by DAVID REAY