Social Injustice: Missionary Witnesses or Political Activists?

In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus gave His followers their/our mission and “marching orders’. In John 15:1-10 (abiding in Christ, having his fruit/character), John 17:15-21 (unified in Christ), and Acts 1:8 (empowered by the Holy Spirit), He gave us the keys to being effective witnesses and accomplishing the mission. Yet, much of what I hear among/from church members, and churches, seems to be focused in politics, social injustice (past and prevailing), and pandemic concerns/fears.

Have we allowed Satan to “steal a march on us”? Have we become so distracted by the world’s pleasures and/or trials (violence, disasters, and social upheavals – see the parable in Matthew 13:18-23), things we were forewarned about in Matthew 24, Luke 21, and Mark 13, that we have lost focus of and ambition for the mission Christ gave us? Have pandemics, political activism, and the lens of humanism stolen our focus?

I’ve read that the disease of current focus, Covid-19, has actually been around for a quite some time, and that it has resulted in less deaths than other diseases, and significantly less than abortion. Any disease that can end life needs to be taken seriously. Yet, there is so much confusion and conflicting reports regarding this disease. It certainly seems as if it is being weaponized by political parties and being used for political purposes when it’s non-use during some gatherings is denounced but its non-use during protests is not spoken of. Why is ok to gather at certain shopping venues but not others, or other social venues? I’ve heard many Christians say that we should give to Caesar as long as it doesn’t interfere with obeying God – God’s will comes first. May I ask, why then are churches closing in contradiction with Scripture’s instruction to not stop gathering together, but to do it even more as we draw nearer to Christ’s return (Hebrews 10:25). The word translated as “assembling” in this passage is translated from the Greek word “episunagoge”. Strong’s says it means to gather in one place. The context then is that God’s churches should continue to meet. God’s health laws quarantined the sick, not the healthy. Those who feel their immune system is weak, or those at risk can/should use common sense in whether to join in in person or via other method. Those with any sickness that is contagious should avoid gatherings in harmony with Scriptural counsel.

Social injustice of any kind is incompatible with Christ’s nature and should be with His followers. We are called to be Christ’s salt (Matthew 5:13) and light (Matthew 5:14,16) as we abide in an evil world, but we are told not to be of the world (John 17:16; Romans 12:2). Christians are counseled to be responsible, respectful citizens (Matthew 21:21, Romans 13:1,7) we should use our influence, voice, and vote to bring about needed change in society. Sister White gave counsel against joining political parties and warned the church about becoming overly focused in social causes (like Kellogg and other sanitarium work) taking emphasis and resources away from the real mission. We are called to be Christ’s ambassadors, His spiritual missionaries, not political activists.

I really feel the social awareness/racism issues are less about color and more to do with culture. Even within different cultures there are different “sub-cultures” among Caucasians, blacks, Hispanics, Asians… etc. I believe we are witnessing culture clashes more so than color clashes. The solution is simple; abide in Christ and His transforming grace. But as/if we are adopted into God’s family, shouldn’t/wouldn’t we also adopt God’s culture, the culture of heaven? I realize some will view this approach as too simplistic, and naive. I also believe some people would prefer chasing and adopting the world’s humanistic solutions ….

I think we can learn a lot about how to approach social injustice from the example’s of Scripture especially Jesus!, Please consider/read the book of Philemon and Paul’s approach to slavery. He encouraged, promoted, and solicited change. As did Jesus. But neither were political activists as they had a heavenly mandated mission, and if their (our) message was (is) accepted it would (will) result in a transforming a person. They were seeking to convert people, not political nations/governments. Scripture is clear where this country and this world is headed. Our mission should also be to seek and save lost people before its too late.

God’s church is being refined, sifted, and purified. The dross is being “burned off” through the trials. Perhaps God is allowing and using these latest trials to accomplish it. It is tragic that we have divided conferences What message of love and unity does that convey, what witness does that give?. And while there is most likely fault on both sides of the fence it, divided conferences, shouldn’t be!

One thing I remind myself of (frequently) is Sister White’s inspired counsel that the church would appear to fall, but that it doesn’t actually fall!

Friend, never leave the ship (church) regardless of the severity of the storms, as God will eventually guide it safely to port!

And keep (or start) sharing the gospel, as a witness, to all He puts in your path – as well as to all that He expects, enables, and equips you to go into theirs 🙂