Is it possible that God calls pastors and churches to engage openly in matters of social justice, a manifestation of the spiritual warfare evident in this present age? The question is rhetorical! But there is one underlying principle that must govern how every pastor, every church and every believer must carry out the battle. Its application will vary in large ways and even in seemingly contradictory ways, but it sets the parameters of our conduct in this age of Grace. The Apostle Paul puts it this way:
4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 2 Corinthians 10:4 NIV
I must confess to liking better how this sounds in the old King James:
4For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds. 2 Corinthians 10:4 KJV
It is striking to realize the specific issues of social justice to which Jesus Christ, the apostles and especially the apostle Paul did not speak during their earthly ministry, at least in so far as Scripture records. And yet, it was in the teaching of broader biblical principles laid down by them, that ultimately birthed the abolitionist movement in Great Britain and the United States, and subsequently established the elevation of women’s rights.
I have on a personal level made the decision to avoid engaging in contentious politically charged endorsements and debates on Face Book and in my Hidden Arrows blog, and to remain focused on the Gospel of Christ. That said, God surely calls some to engage publicly in the great social issues of our day. And if God should call you to that, you must! But, in the final analysis, whatever we do, we must remember in the wearing of the Gospel armor, to put on the shoes of the Gospel of the Preparation of Peace which is the Good News of reconciliation of sinners toward God made possible in Christ Jesus.
Hidden Arrows 