Humble orthodoxy in social justice
Sep. 6 2007
Social justice is a popular catchphrase these days. Everyone knows that it’s right to care for the poor, the oppressed, and the marginalized. And beautiful people like Brad & Angelina make it more fashionable by the day. This is a wonderful evidence of common grace that deserves to be celebrated, but social justice without orthodoxy is just watered-down niceness. As disciples of Christ, our longings for justice and mercy are grounded in biblical truth and loaded with rich gospel undertones. If we settle for a “random acts of kindness” mentality, we’re choosing PB&J over a seven course meal.
On the other hand, social justice without humility is abrasive and self-aggrandizing. All it takes is a trace of self-righteousness, and the truth of my words is neutralized along with the testimony of my actions. Just a touch of self-promotion, and I’ve received my reward in full. If my good works are bringing glory to the wrong name, I might as well enjoy the self-proclaimed honor because Jesus says that’s the only reward I’ll get.
I love the way the prophet Micah put it: What does the Lord require of us? To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with our God (Micah 6:8). That’s humble orthodoxy in social action; not only believing in the cause of justice and mercy, but allowing these biblical convictions to affect our actions… and doing all of the above with an attitude of humility commensurate with the beautiful truth we are attempting to live out.
I find this humble attitude to be the hardest part, not because I’m someone special but because there’s something enticing about being treated like I am. I spend a lot of time in Africa working with local churches to care for orphans in their communities. A westerner walking through an African village is regarded as the biggest man in town. In reality, I am more like the orphaned children I serve than they realize. I am born into the same spiritual poverty. But for the grace of God, I might be suffering in similar material poverty as well. I need to regularly disavow any motivation to be some kind of hero to them. I’m one of them. I’ve just been rescued by the one who willingly became poor so that I, by his poverty, might become rich. It is the goal of my life to be a humble servant that he might use to rescue others.
I think that’s your goal as well. I look forward to enjoying the ride together.
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Doug Hayes is director of Covenant Mercies, a church-based nonprofit ministry established to serve the poor, with a particular emphasis on orphans internationally.