Think On These Things~
Whatsoever Things Are Just

The Third in a Series on Philippians 4:8

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
Philippians 4:8 (KJV)

The scripture above exhorts us to think, ponder, and meditate on what is just.  And yet we find it so hard to do justice. This society prides itself on being a bastion of justice yet I have sat in court and seen “Christians” tell anything but the truth and seemingly get away with it—where’s the justice in that? We hear of cases where judges overrule perfectly legitimate wills in favour of a greedy relative in direct opposition to the wishes of the deceased—where’s the justice in that?  We read of MPs fiddling the taxes yet escaping any meaningful punishment—where’s the justice in that?

But God is not fooled—see Galatians 6:7, and to avoid bitterness that is what we need to dwell on.  God is just, we must not be discouraged; all will eventually reap what they sow (also verse 7).

As we grow to be more like Christ we must have the attitude that carrying out justice brings its own joy and fulfilment (Proverbs 21:15).

Solomon says that there is nothing new under the sun (Ecclesiastes 1:9) and so way back in man’s recorded history we have God warning humanity to be just.  Leviticus 19:15 urges us not to pervert justice, but to judge all fairly, and Deuteronomy 27:19 addresses our refugee crisis in that we must extend justice to the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow. Deuteronomy 16:19 talks about bribes and the evils which can be used to pervert the cause of justice and show partiality.

Psalm 11:7 says that the Lord loves justice and again in chapter 33v5 (NIV) and Psalm 9:16 says that God is known by His acts of justice.  If we are to be like Jesus, we also should be known by our acts of justice. We have to hang on to the truths of the Bible which tell us that God works justice for all oppressed (Psalm 103:6) He will come to us who conduct our affairs with justice (Psalm 112:5) and as for refugees, God will secure justice and uphold their cause (Psalm 140:12).

Prayer
Father, thank You for reminding us of the necessity to pause and meditate.  This world which is so full of injustice, helps us to stand apart and reflect Your love as we deal with our fellow man. In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen 

Study by Jackee Brown

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About the Author:
Jackee Brown is a member in the Worldwide Church of God UK Congregation in London.

Local Congregation:
Worldwide Church of God London
Indian YMCA Student Hostel
Mahatma Gandhi Hall
41 Fitzroy Square
LONDON W1T 6AQ

Meeting Time:
Saturday 2:30pm

Local Congregational Contact:
Martin Ryan
Phone:  020 8202 3998
Email: martin_ryan@wcg.org.uk