This morning in staff devotions, we heard a story from the book 'Pursuing Justice' by Ken Wytsma. While I haven't read the book yet, this was an intriguing introduction, apt for us as we consider how to live out our faith in the world.
Ken tells a story where a missionary from the Democratic Republic of the Congo is taken to a grade 2 class as 'show and tell' so that the class can interview him about his work and his life. There were normal grade two types of questions, but also a number of profound questions that demonstrated the privileged bubble we enjoy in this corner of the world. The students wrestled with wondering why he didn't own a PlayStation (or even knew what it was), and thought it a bit 'disgusting' that he didn't own any more than just one pair of clothing. As parents, they understood that the poverty experienced in the Congo was linked quite directly to their children's state of privilege. Mining activity and human rights abuses were direct correlates to heightened demand for video game systems.
Ken's introduction states "Justice is rooted in the character of God. . . and [is] carried on today by all who are moved and led by the Spirit." Character is developed partly by the ways we teach our children and what we encourage in them as a response. In Ken (and his wife's) words, "I want my kids' heart to break for what matters." In a world where much of what we value is 'purchasable', this kind of character matters even more!
Wytsma's words this morning were another reminder to me of the importance of our conversations with our kids and the duty and responsibility we have as a Christian School to encourage and grow in our students a sense of justice and a need to work for what is right.
The character of God is what we seek, and the help of the Spirit is what we long for to be actors of justice. May God bless you and us in this high calling!
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