Guilt and Justice

Little girl asking for food/money
Originally uploaded by d e b

I was reading an article in Leadership Journal titled "Why We Do Justice" (It's not because we feel guilty) and I couldn't help wonder if people even feel guilty anymore? Are people motivated by guilt?

I should know something about guilt - it is a common tactic used by Asian families to get their kids to do something. Something about saving face. But the reality is that guilt creates a false sense of obedience to authority or command that usually results in rebellion. This is especially true of this current young generation where authority, loyalty and obedience takes on a whole different face (a lot can be said about this, but that is another post somewhere else).

However, the reality is that most people don't even feel guilty when injustice is thrust into their face. "We see unfairness and injustice, and we know what we don't do. So we feel guilty." the author writes. I don't think society reacts by guilt anymore.

I am in a case in point. I used to feel guilty when I pass by the homeless on the streets and they ask for money and I said no, fearing that they would use the money to help feed an addiction or worse and then chastising myself thinking such judgemental thoughts. But guilt soon led to callousness as I just said no to their request or not even respond when approached.

This callousness I soon saw in most of the people who face injustice and poverty every day. I saw this in India. I see it here in Canada. How are we to respond? If not guilt, what is the proper way so that I don't just feel something but act and do something?

More as I process this...

About two things...

As I return from 2 and a half months of work related travel, I have decided to focus writing on two things related to work: ministering to the poor and Operations focused on increasing capacity for sharing Christ.

Although this blog does not reflect the opinions of any organizations I am affiliated with, I will write about what I am personally learning or struggling through. I came back from one of the more enjoyable and thought provoking conferences in a long time and I have a lot to ponder about. Forefront in my mind: Gospel Proclamation and Gospel Demonstration.

The Poor

For the past have year, I have been pondering the direction of what I should write on in this blog. On one hand, I don't want to write meaningless dribble for the sake of putting something up on a blog. On the other hand, I do want to continue learning how to write and make my thoughts clear and concise by sharing the faith adventure God has put me in. I think I will continue to blog as God teaches me more about life and what it means to be a Christ-follower.

A theme that has been coming up in my life over the past year is figuring out how I can help the poor as a person and as a follower of Jesus Christ. In addition to getting into a church that has a core value to help the poor in the city, God has opened doors to help the poor overseas through a partnership at work.

As this new chapter unfolds in my life, I'm expecting to be challenged with things that will make me uncomfortable and will force me to be more emotional. I will probably be convicted to change habits and how I spend my resources. Looking forward to it...

Bible study tools

Check out these tools and also a chance to win!

Bible Study Magazine and Mars Hill are giving away 20 copies of Mark Driscoll’s new book, Vintage Church. Not only that, but they are also giving away five subscriptions to Bible Study Magazine and a copy of their Bible Study Library software! Enter to win on the Bible Study Magazine Mark Driscoll page, then take a look at all the cool tools they have to help with your Bible study!

Relationships

Relationships are a big thing because we are a relational type of people. Just take a quick look at your Facebook news feed - there is a fascination when someone proclaims that they are in a relationship or when their status changes to "single". Comments pour in of congratulations or sympathy...

But what is beyond establishing a relationship? How does one get to know another person?

I came across a nugget today while reading. When describing his relationship with a person that is suppose to be a close friend, he compared it to another one saying,

"Your father got along just fine didn't he? He did what was right and treated people fairly, and things went well with him. He stuck up for the down and out and things went well... Isn't this what it means to know me?"

Could this be the missing link to many failed relationships? They say opposites attract - that can be true. But to further a relationship and to go deeper is the key to understand the other person's character by living it out?

Our friends who share the love of food, amongst other things =D

Relaunch

I have been thinking of using this space for more than just to write my musings on any topic that comes to mind (although it is still available for that). I want to focus in on specific issues - perhaps being more intentional with my thoughts.

In the days to come, I think I will be writing more. Stay tuned...

I Love the Changing Seasons

With the first snowfall of the season out of the way, it is officially time to get ready for winter. I know other parts of the country have had snow already, but it is always an event when your part of the country receives snow.



And usually, it marks the end of Fall. I love Fall - I look forward to it next year!

Wood for the good ol' fire

Beautiful clouds on cool, crisp evenings

The heavens declare the glory of God;

the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

Day after day they pour forth speech;

night after night they display knowledge.

There is no speech or language

where their voice is not heard.

Their voice goes out into all the earth,

their words to the ends of the world.

Psalm 19