How can church leaders ensure they "know justice" in their decision-making? The Call to Know Justice — Micah 3:1 “Then I said, ‘Hear now, O leaders of Jacob, you rulers of the house of Israel. Is it not for you to know justice?’” Why “know” matters • Know (Hebrew yādaʿ) means grasping with heart and mind, not mere information. • God expects every leader to understand justice because He Himself is “righteous and just” (Psalm 89:14). • Ignorance is not an option; leaders either steward or distort God’s character before the flock. Grounding Justice in Knowing God • Proverbs 28:5 — “Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD understand it fully.” • Jeremiah 9:24 — “Let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me… for I delight in loving devotion, justice, and righteousness.” • The closer leaders walk with God, the clearer justice becomes. Personal devotion is the first safeguard. Practical Steps to Ensure Justice in Decision-Making 1. Saturate decisions in Scripture – 2 Timothy 3:16–17 — God-breathed words “equip for every good work,” including church discipline, budgeting, staffing, benevolence. – Leaders compare every option with explicit biblical commands and principles. 2. Appoint Spirit-filled, proven people – Acts 6:3 — “Select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and wisdom.” – Committees, boards, and teams must be populated by those already displaying justice. 3. Maintain impartiality – 1 Timothy 5:21 — “...do nothing out of partiality.” – James 2:1–4 forbids favoritism. Policies should be written and followed so personal preferences cannot sway outcomes. 4. Require multiple witnesses and transparent process – Deuteronomy 19:15; Matthew 18:16 — two or three witnesses guard against hasty judgment. – Meeting minutes, open financial reports, and documented procedures let the congregation see justice at work. 5. Anchor every verdict in the character of Christ – John 5:30 — Jesus judged “only as I hear,” seeking the Father’s will. – Leaders rehearse the gospel: at the cross justice and mercy meet (Romans 3:25-26). This keeps discipline redemptive and decisions humble. Safeguards Against Drifting • Regular self-examination (Psalm 139:23-24). • External accountability—plurality of elders, regional associations. • Ongoing training in biblical ethics and church law. • Immediate repentance when partiality, pride, or neglect surface. Cultivating a Justice-Shaped Culture • Teach the congregation passages like Isaiah 1:17; Amos 5:24; Matthew 23:23. • Celebrate testimonies where just decisions bore fruit. • Budget for benevolence and outreach to the vulnerable (Galatians 2:10). • Pray publicly for wisdom so the flock learns justice is a divine, not merely human, pursuit. The Fruit of Knowing Justice • Congregations trust their shepherds (Proverbs 29:2). • Outsiders glorify God (Matthew 5:16). • Leaders hear “Well done” from the Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4). |
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