The topic of justice has been on my mind a lot lately. There's all kinds of stuff about it in the news, especially as it relates to one of my favorite places to eat: Chick-fil-a. Now, I believe in capitalism which means I think people have every right to protest a business because they don't agree with their practices. As long as the government stays out of it, it's great for everyone. Capitalism only works if people can affect it with their money. Because I happen to agree whole-heartedly with pretty much everything Chick-fil-a does, I will choose to give them my money in exchange for their goods and services. I make this choice often because I support them a lot. I think what they have to offer is extremely unique in the market.
What bothers me about this whole issue of Chick-fil-a being unethical is that there are so many companies that are actually unethical, and yet nobody seems to care. There are companies that exploit their workers and do practice unethical business practice, yet we don't stage boycotts. Is it because this is another battle ground for the war of Christians vs. Homosexuals? When will the world learn that this is not a war?! Never once have I ever been taught by God to go out and attack gay people or make their lives more difficult. But we live in a fallen world where even so-called Christians get it wrong.
So we pick on companies that are actually doing a lot of good in the world and ignoring companies that are trying to maximize profits at the expense of employees. I'm sure you've heard them mentioned. Nestle is one that comes to mind for me. Coffee and chocolate companies are especially known. Textile industries. But, those people are Americans, so they matter less right?
WRONG!!! This is why I care so much. There is so much oppression and violence in the world that we as the most powerful people in the world can't just sit around and ignore it. We so have the power to change it because we are the 1%. All of us. We have the financial power to say, "No, I won't buy anything buy fair trade coffee because I believe everyone deserves a living wage." "No, I won't buy from Nestle because I don't believe in child labor." (Mind you I don't have a ton of research to support what I'm saying. It is based on hear-say and I acknowledge that readily).
I really thing we should turn our attentions to companies that are doing more harm than good instead of focusing on companies we simply don't like. I don't like McDonalds so I don't eat there. I think Puma is disgusting because of how they advertise, so I refuse to look at their products. I feel the same way about Kia and many other products. I choose to buy other products, even if they are inferior, because I don't agree with the companies values. That's what capitalism is all about.
But I've gotten quite off topic from the title. I love that passage in Isaiah because it is filled with such hope about a year where God's favor is just all around. I wonder what would happen if we as Christians declared a year of the Lord's favor and for 365 days did nothing but fight for justice in every aspect of our lives. Think of how much the world would change. If tomorrow, instead of spending money on things I don't need, I sent that money to someone dying of starvation. Or instead of buying a water filter, I bought water for those who don't have drinkable water. Instead of buying new cloths, I gave some away. Think of the change! But no...I'll admit I'm not very good at living out justice. I am trying to change. Someday I may be the one who declares a year of the Lord's favor. There's a lot of logistics there, but I love logistics.
Lord, give us clarity into issues that matter and hills worth dying on. Please let us not get caught up in the emotions of bickering. It's not personal. We are Christians and we cannot be offended. Please let that be true for all who follow You.
Amen. Amen. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment