Deeper Reflection
WE CANNOT WORSHIP GOD IN AN ACCEPTABLE AND PLEASING way if we continually practise or are complicit in injustice. The true worship of God must include in its expression the practice of social justice. We learn this from the book of Amos. God through His prophet Amos strongly denounced and rejected the worship rituals and sacrifices carried out by the people of Israel in eighth century B.C.⁵³ Both the northern and southern kingdoms were enjoying great prosperity and power, but at the same time there were widespread practices of idolatry, extravagant lifestyles, sexual immorality, corruption of judicial procedures and oppression of the poor in their society.⁵⁴How can God’s people let injustice reign and expect that their acts of corporate worship will whitewash their sinful practices or cause God to overlook their acquiescence in wickedness? How can God’s people participate in injustice while at the same time participate in worship as though it was okay with Him? The true worship of God by Christians must include the daily practices of righteousness − as empowered by the Holy Spirit − in their homes, neighbourhoods, schools, workplaces, business centres, recreational spaces and the digital world! When Christ’s disciples faithfully do justice in their society, they represent rightly God’s love, mercy and grace to others, shine brightly for His glory and point clearly to Jesus Christ − the One who is able to redeem sinful and broken people. As theologian Dr Walter R. Strickland II rightly pointed out, we do justice “to participate in God’s plan of redemption through Christ and reflect his character throughout all creation in anticipation of the kingdom to come”⁵⁵.

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⁵³ Amos’ prophetic ministry was carried out in the northern kingdom of Israel during the reigns of Uzziah (792-740 B.C.) in the southern kingdom and Jeroboam II (793-753 B.C.) in the north, and focused probably between 760 and 750 B.C. See: Amos 1:1; https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/intro-to-amos/ ⁵⁴ https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/intro-to-amos/ See for example, Amos 2:6-8; 4:1; 5:10-12;6:1-6; 8:4-6. ⁵⁵ A Biblical-Theological Vision of Social Engagement and Biblical Justice − Christ and Culture (sebts.edu).