Follow justice and justice alone, so that you may live and possess the land the Lord your God is giving you(Dt. 16:20).
A line from a drama lingers in my mind: “What is your justice?” Everyone lives according to their own definition of justice. However, human justice is inevitably distorted. People often mistake their personal beliefs for absolute justice, imposing them on others and causing deep wounds. This happens not only in secular society but all too frequently within any community.
Reading the Word today, I keep asking myself, “What is true justice?” I already know the answer: following God’s will and living according to His Word.
The scriptures clearly point out the obstacles that hinder us from following God’s will—idolatry (loving anything more than God), the flaws of selfishness and greed, and evil deeds. These elements tempt, attack, and frustrate us from both within and without.
While everyone stands before such temptations, the weight of responsibility for those with spiritual authority is far greater. Those tasked with leading others on the right path must be even more rigorous in their standards of justice. To manipulate others under the guise of faith or belief, or to treat people as tools for personal gain, is a grave sin. The Word warns that a severe judgment awaits those who commit hidden evils behind a plausible facade.
In light of that solemn judgment, I examine myself. What idols and flaws are hidden within me? Am I truly following God’s justice?
I resolve once more: my justice must not be my own thoughts or experiences, but God alone. My justice must stand firmly upon the Word of God and nothing else. Remembering His justice today, I pray to live out this day standing strong in His Word.