Counsel #3 — Economic Justice

Picture: Counsel #3 — Economic JusticeCMH 53.1

The Bible is clear in its position on fairness and compassion for the marginalized. However, many young adults witness a system that seems rigged against them. Soaring housing prices fueled by easy credit-enriched older generations, while leaving younger ones priced out and burdened with debt.^{[57]https://youngadventists.org/equip/young-adults-and-money-its-complicated/} Even though we recognize that full justice will not be achieved until Jesus comes and makes all things new — still, as Christians, economic injustice compels us to question the systems that perpetuate such inequality and advocate for policies that promote fairer distribution of wealth and opportunity.CMH 53.2

“If there is among you a poor man of your brethren, within any of the gates in your land which the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart nor shut your hand from your poor brother, but you shall open your hand wide to him, and willingly lend him sufficient for his need, whatever he needs.” Deuteronomy 15:7-11 NKJVCMH 53.3

“The Lord says Stop! to the inordinate love of property and power. Great evil results from the continued accumulation of wealth by one class and the poverty and degradation of another…. The regulations God established in Leviticus were designed to promote social equality.” Ellen White in A Call to Stand Apart, p. 93 (adapted from Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 534)CMH 53.4

Reflect: How can you personally contribute to promoting a more equitable economic system, while acknowledging the limitations of the current world and the ultimate hope found in Christ's promise of renewal?CMH 53.5