If You’re Not Part Of The Solution, You’re Part Of The Problem

• When was the last time you said (or thought), “That’s not fair”? What were the circumstances?

• If you could change one thing about our society, what would it be? Why?

“So I will come to put you on trial. I will be quick to testify against sorcerers, adulterers and perjurers, against those who defraud laborers of their wages, who oppress the widows and the fatherless, and deprive the foreigners among you of justice, but do not fear me,” says the LORD Almighty.
Malachi 3:5

God’s commands in Malachi 3:5 seem pretty easy to follow. Don’t cheat people out of what they’re owed. Don’t be cruel to people in need. Don’t take advantage of people who deserve justice.

Seems pretty simple, doesn’t it? As long as we don’t try to hurt other people, we don’t have to worry about violating God’s commands, right?

Actually, it’s not that simple. In our society, the odds are often stacked against people in need. Our culture rewards success, wealth and popularity. People who have achieved those things are often given positions of power and authority. And they tend to look out for their own—the people who support them and are similar to them.

The poor and disadvantaged tend to fall through the cracks. Their needs are overlooked. The injustices they suffer aren’t considered important. If we stand by silently and allow that to happen, we’re contributing to the problem — and we’re guilty of doing the things God warned about.

As God’s people, it is our responsibility to reach out to the poor and disadvantaged, to make sure their needs are met. Our mandate is to love them as God loves them.

PRAYER
Dear God, thank you for loving all people, especially the poor and disadvantaged. Use us to show your love to people in need. Amen.