When the world only does what is right in its own eyes we see a pandemic of interpretations of what is right and wrong. This results in victimhood and false accusations running rampant, and complex judgments falling to opinion and anecdotal evidence rather than authority and factual evidence. As chaplains we often fall into a defensive posture, one where we’re only waiting for people to come to us and when they do, we rely on their knowledge or faith to find an answer that suits them, something right in their eyes. Because of this, we’re already back on our heals when we hear of injustice.
Have we forgotten that as followers of the Truth (John 1:17,
14:6, 18:36, Revelation 19:11), we have a monopoly on truth (Romans 1:18, 1:25,
2:8)? The world won’t agree with that statement, but the question is: Is it
true?
As one entrusted with the truth it is our responsibility to
speak the truth. A convenient lie or agreeing with someone in sin may lead to a
quick and painless conversation, but help comes from directing people to the
truth which can set them free (John 8:31-32). When we enable someone in their belief
that they are not thriving because of something that happened to them (or their
ancestors) in the past, we lock them up in that abuse (or perceived abuse) and
cut them off from the gospel that is able to transform and redeem. When we
don’t stand up to a commander who is using an Airman as a scapegoat to a larger
injustice, we silently give credence. When we leave a complex legal problem up
to historical precedence, we deny that the Word of God speaks to every nuance
and manner of justice. And especially when we don’t press into the idea that
forgiveness is an option (a mandatory option), we might as well not even be
chaplains.
As salt and light in this world, we have a duty to our
commission from God to be men of sincerity, speak in Christ (2 Corinthians
2:17), and injecting his truth into the world so that they may know him and
live life according to his precepts. You’ll look like an abomination to many
(Proverbs 29:27), but your call remains to seek justice, love mercy, and walk humbly
with your God (Micah 6:8).
God’s law has been written on all
of our consciences, but only in Christ is it written on our hearts. ~ Alistair
Begg
Key Verse: Evil men do not understand justice, but those who
seek the LORD understand it completely. ~ Proverbs 28:5
More:
1. Proverbs 17:15 sets up an incredible dichotomy that is hard
to reconcile with who God is. The summary is that God is furious with people
who curse the innocent and who bless the wicked. But what happened on the cross
of Christ? Wasn’t an innocent and righteous man cursed? Weren’t we the chief of
sinners and yet we’ve received all of God’s blessings and heaven too? How is it
that God is not the abomination in this story? Attempt to answer yourself
first, then look at Isaiah 25:21, Romans 3:25, 5:8, and Psalm 85:10-13 for a
hint.
2. As chaplains we hear heartbreaking stories. Within the span
of a few days I had two young Airmen in my office with extremely similar trauma.
Both had been horribly abused and their abusers never brought to justice. One
was as bitter, emotionally hurt, angry, and scared as the day they were abused;
in essence still under the control of their abuser. The other was joyful,
forgiving, thriving, and loving; their question was, “Is there something wrong
with me that I’m doing so well?” These were nearly identical situations, with
practically exact opposite responses. The discernable difference was the first
had no expectation of God’s justice being shown to their abuser, the second
knew that God would mete out perfect justice either in eternal conscious
torment, or on the cross of Christ, and amazingly their prayer was that their
abuser would find the same redemption that they had found in Christ’s grace.
How did understanding justice help? Can you think of similar testimonies?
3. Further Resources:
Edwards, Jonathan. Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.
1741. Reprint, Carlisle PA: Banner of Truth Trust, 1995.
Ryle, John Charles. Holiness: It’s Nature, Hindrances, Difficulties, and Roots. Reprint, Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 2014.
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