Our Specific Callings Are NOT an Excuse to Ignore Injustice

Earlier this year I attended the Lausanne Congress. It is a gathering of Evangelical Christians from around the world which takes place every 15 years. The theme of the Congress this year was“Let the Church Declare and Display Christ Together." Each day of the Congress had a different theme. I was particularly struck by the days allocated to the persecuted Church and global injustice. Neither of these areas are new to me. In fact, the Lord has been speaking to me about both topics for years. But I have always assumed that my role would be financial and that I would be able to contribute when I was more financially stable. During the Congress, I believe that the Holy Spirit spoke to me, and instructed me to figure out how to contribute to both areas in some way, shape or form. Contrary to my own thoughts, His promptings were never about money. I have now understood that they were about joining Him in bringing about His will and kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. How does my Holy Spirit encounter relate to today's passage?

We learn that Nehemiah was concerned with what was affecting the people of Israel. He wasn't just focused on building the wall. He engaged with the plight and troubles of those around him. All too often, many of us ignore the injustices in our communities to focus on what God has called us to do. But in this chapter, we learn that this might be a mistake. Nehemiah teaches us that the two can be done concurrently. We can focus on our calling and at the same time work to bring God’s will and kingdom on earth as it is in heaven by addressing injustice.

This is not prescriptive. For some of us, this may look like allocating specific time to pray for a particular issue in our community, nation, church, or the world. For others, it may involve more active engagement – political or otherwise. Whatever the case, this passage reveals to us that we can no longer use our calling as an excuse for inaction. Like Nehemiah, we are to get involved in the work of redeeming society and the world alongside our specific calling(s) from God.

It sounds like a lot, I know. But if we are faithful in both, like Nehemiah, we will be able to pray this prayer:

Nehemiah 5:19 - Remember, O my God, all that I have done for these people, and bless me for it. (NLT)

Questions for reflection: Has the Lord impressed on me the idea of solving a problem in my community? Am I ignoring a problem in my community because I am focused on my calling? Do I need to repent for my inaction where there has been injustice? Have I prayed for direction in this area? What one thing can I do today to reverse my inaction and bring about God’s kingdom on earth as in heaven?