Justice?
     I've recently had two occasions in which I heard someone speak about justice and helping those who have been marginalized.  I'm not exactly sure what the speaker was trying to say but very often those who shout the loudest and most frequently about "justice" for everyone are the very people who show the least sensitivity to those who are in need, whatever the need.
     The area where the speaker lives is one of the nicer areas of our city.  However, I doubt if he would live in our neighborhood which is a neighborhood that is quickly changing, has very modest homes (no granite counter tops,) and where there are many dysfunctional families.  Life can be harsh for many people but preaching sermons on helping people and then running away from where they are living  is contrary to what one is preaching.  Benevolence, helping others, becoming a sounding board for those with burdens cannot be done at a distance.
     Jesus, God in the flesh, rubbed shoulders with sinners, ate with sinners, showed compassion to everyone and died for our sins.  If the Eternal God of the universe could humble Himself (Phil. 2) and run shoulders with those like ourselves, surely we can do the same.  James reminds us that "...not the hearers of the Word but the doers are justified before God..."  Believing God's truth is the foundation of our faith but serving Him by serving others is the building we erect on the foundation which is Christ Himself.