Choose Justice; Choose Peace

He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.

Evil pursueth sinners: but to the righteous good shall be repayed.

                      (Prov 13:20-21 KJV)

I have been accused of being legalistic on more than one occasion. I am not (at least not usually). I have been accused of it because I truly prefer to attempt to obey the law and not offend God or harm any other persons.  I would genuinely love to live in peace. I consider obeying the law, no matter how trivial the law may seem, as a small way to keep peace around me and in the world. I am not saying that I never break the law. We all sin in some ways and breaking the law is sin because it causes a break in community. Sometimes, we do this with intent. At other times, it just happens. It may possibly "just happen" because we haven't bothered to think about the consequences of our words or actions. Often, our desire to break with the law, causes damage to ourselves or others. There are  consequences to our words and actions whether good or bad.

However, there are times, that we might (must) act in peaceful civil disobedience for the good of others; for the sake of justice. When we do this we also acknowledge that there still may be consequences. This is also not to say that there are not any times when we  might actually have to defend ourselves or others for the sake of justice and hopefully peace. Conflicts and wars are, at times, necessary to protect ourselves or others.

But, to follow in the ways of anyone whose purpose is solely to profit themselves without considering others is not the wise path to follow. There will be consequences. Hanging out with those who would consistently do what might harm others; that might harm society as a whole, is not wise. It will lead you on a path that is not according to the will of God. That also is not to say that you should never minister to them. We definitely should. But, do so with the integrity and with the strength to say no when you are invited to join in the sinful; the unlawful, way.  

Choose justice. Choose to live in peace and do what is right in the eyes of God.

God's Peace - Pr. J.