Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live: and so the LORD, the God of hosts, shall be with you, as ye have spoken. — Amos 5:14

How amazing is it that so many people say that God is on their side? God has been “claimed” by people who want to keep people in slavery, be racist, lie, bribe officials, be hypocritical, do wrong to the weak, and do “ethnic cleansing.” But God makes the test pretty easy: do good things and look for good things, or you’re not my family. In the words of the prophet Amos, this meant fairness for everyone in the courtroom, the marketplace, and the place of worship. If we say God is on our side, we should stick close to God’s side, which is the side of good, justice, and mercy as God sees them.

 

Thought

How amazing is it that so many people say that God is on their side? God has been “claimed” by people who want to keep people in slavery, be racist, lie, bribe officials, be hypocritical, do wrong to the weak, and do “ethnic cleansing.” But God makes the test pretty easy: do good things and look for good things, or you’re not my family. In the words of the prophet Amos, this meant fairness for everyone in the courtroom, the marketplace, and the place of worship. If we say God is on our side, we should stick close to God’s side, which is the side of good, justice, and mercy as God sees them.

 

Prayer

I thank you, Most Gracious and All-Powerful God, who is merciful and loves justice and fairness for your concern for those who are frequently overlooked. Convict me when I stand on the side of injustice and evil, and inspire me to work for the salvation of others, of my society, and of my world — not just salvation from eternal damnation, but salvation from the evil and hatred that are so pervasive. May your kingdom come to us more fully formed as it is in your heart and will. In Jesus’s precious name I pray. Amen.