Sunday Sermon: “The Measure of a Life: Justice, Responsibility, and Righteousness”

Opening Prayer:

“Lord, we come before You today seeking Your guidance and wisdom. As we reflect on the events of this week, help us to understand our responsibility as Your followers to uphold righteousness, even when the world tempts us to turn away. Teach us to love justice, show mercy, and walk humbly with You, so that we may live as a light in the darkness. Amen.”

Scripture Reading: Proverbs 21:15 (NIV)
“When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers.”

Sermon:

Introduction: A Complex Reality

This week, the death of a CEO known for his greed and exploitation has brought many emotions to the surface. For some, his death feels like poetic justice—an end fitting for a life lived without regard for others. But as Christians, we are called to a higher standard. The Bible teaches us to hate wickedness, but it also calls us to love justice and mercy, even when it’s difficult.

Yes, the man may have lived a life that led to mockery instead of mourning, but we cannot let our disdain for his actions blind us to our responsibility to pursue justice. If we claim to follow Christ, then we must act with integrity, even when the victim is a sinner. As the Apostle Paul reminds us in Romans 3:23: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

1. Justice is God’s Standard, Not Ours

The Bible is clear that justice is a cornerstone of God’s character. Psalm 89:14 declares, “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne.” When we, as His followers, abandon the pursuit of justice, we dishonor His name.

• Justice is Universal:
  Justice is not reserved for the righteous; it is for all people. Just as God shows mercy to the undeserving, we are called to pursue justice for everyone, even those whose actions we despise. If the murderer of this CEO is not brought to justice, what does that say about the society we are building?
• Turning Away from Justice Leads to Chaos:
  Proverbs 28:5 warns us, “Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the Lord understand it fully.” When we excuse violence because the victim was wicked, we open the door to lawlessness. We must remember that justice is about accountability, not revenge.

Reflection Question:
Are we holding ourselves to God’s standard of justice, or are we letting our personal judgments cloud our actions?

2. The Public’s Responsibility for Justice

As believers, we are not just observers in the world; we are called to be active participants in upholding God’s principles. Micah 6:8 commands us to “act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.” Acting justly means standing up for what is right, even when it is inconvenient or uncomfortable.

• Indifference is a Sin:
  James 4:17 reminds us, “If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.” When we turn a blind eye to injustice, we become complicit. Failing to seek justice for the CEO’s murder, simply because we disapprove of his life, makes us no better than the world that ignores righteousness altogether.
• We Represent Christ:
  When we act justly, we bear witness to Christ’s teachings. Matthew 5:14-16 calls us to be the light of the world. How can we shine His light if we excuse murder or ignore wrongdoing? Justice must be pursued not for the sake of the wicked man but for the sake of God’s kingdom.

Reflection Question:
How can we show the world that justice is God’s command, not just a human convenience?

3. Justice is Part of Righteousness

Some may ask, “Why should I care about justice for someone who lived wickedly?” The answer lies in our call to righteousness. Romans 12:17-21 reminds us:
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.”

• Justice Belongs to God:
  Pursuing justice does not mean seeking revenge; it means ensuring accountability. We trust God to judge the wicked, but it is our duty to maintain order and fairness here on earth.
• Our Example Can Transform Others:
  By insisting on justice, even for the undeserving, we set an example for the world. Imagine the testimony we could give if we show that justice is not about favoritism or emotion but about honoring God.

Reflection Question:
Are we willing to pursue justice, even when it challenges our personal feelings or biases?

Conclusion: A Call to Action

The death of this CEO is a sobering reminder that the measure of a life is not in its wealth but in its legacy. It also reminds us of our responsibility as God-fearing, Jesus-loving people to uphold justice, even when the victim is not a righteous man.

Let us not fall into the trap of indifference. Let us act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God. Let us stand for what is right, not because the world demands it, but because God commands it.

As we go into the world this week, I challenge you to:

1. Pray for justice and wisdom for our leaders and communities.
2. Advocate for accountability, even when it feels uncomfortable.
3. Reflect on your own life and ensure that you are building a legacy of righteousness, not greed or indifference.

Remember the words of Isaiah 1:17: “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.” Let us be the people who pursue justice, even when the world looks away.

Closing Prayer:

“Lord, we thank You for reminding us of our responsibility to pursue justice and righteousness. Help us to act with courage and compassion, standing firm in Your truth. Teach us to honor You in all we do, and may our lives reflect Your justice and mercy to the world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Benediction:

“May the God of justice guide your steps, the light of Christ shine through your actions, and the Holy Spirit strengthen you to pursue what is right. Go in peace, to love and serve the Lord. Amen.”