I've started reading a new book by Tom Wright called "Simply Christian". He opens the book with a chapter dedicated to the idea of justice. He demonstrates the inherent desire for justice in our world and in our characters, and yet even though we know the morals we desire to uphold, we are the ones who often break them. "The line between justice and injustice cant be drawn between "us" and "them". It runs right down the middle of each of us." What a challenging remark.
On the way to work today I listened to Tim Hughes' "God of Justice": "we must go". God is just. It is His character, and we as His children are to reflect that nature. Yet when I look at myself I am disheartened by how often I forfeit justice for selfish gain or laziness.
This issue came to the fore of my mind with the recent news that two teenagers had tragically died in Castlerock from Carbon Monoxide poisoning (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-10860838). The reaction has been a media-driven public panic, including an emergency helpline, distribution of publications and a wide-scale investigation. New legislation is now being proposed that every new house be fitted with a new alarm. We are happy to pour public funds into these helplines and publications to deal with a rare accident which tragically claimed 2 lives. We're happy to pay £30 out of our own pocket for a new alarm, just in case.
But how often will £30 be spent out of our own pockets to deal with lives which are in definite risk everyday. How often does the government put our money into sustaining countries who live everyday in poverty and sickness.
When we consider the outcry after 2 young boys lose their lives to a rare occurrence, to the reaction to poverty and sickness experienced on a daily basis across the world, the contrast is sickening.
Why is this related? Justice is not just about righting criminal wrongs. It is about righting the needs of others. And so often our concept of justice is limited to selfish needs and demands.
We must go. As Tom Wright says, justice starts with us as individuals. Speaking out, and acting out to meet the needs of others. In a "me-centred" West with my rights, and my needs prominent, practising Godly justice is very much counter-cultural, and will be a battle for us all, first in ourselves, and then with the world around us.
