Can One Be Just in Such an Unjust World?
Scripture Reference: 2 Peter 2:8, Genesis 6:9, Psalm 34:15–19
INTRODUCTION
The Reality of Today’s World We live in a world saturated with injustice. We see it in corrupt workplaces, biased laws, broken homes, and violent streets. It is a world where the guilty often walk free while the innocent are oppressed. Whether it is between parents and children, husbands and wives, or authorities and citizens, injustice seems to dominate every sphere of life.
Questions of the Heart When we face this reality, our hearts naturally cry out:
• Is it actually worth it to be a just person?
• What do I gain by doing what is right when everyone else is cutting corners?
• Is God truly on the side of the righteous?
The Purpose of This Message Today, we will explore the biblical definition of being "just" and the immense blessings reserved for those who remain upright, even when the world around them falls into decay.
Definition of "Just" The biblical word is Dikaios. It refers to someone who is upright, conforming to the divine standard, and maintaining correct conduct before both God and men. While the world says it’s impossible, the Bible shows us that—through God—it is entirely possible. Look at Lot: the Bible calls him "just" even while he lived in the middle of a perverse society (2 Peter 2:8).
I. EXAMPLES OF JUST INDIVIDUALS
A. A Necessary Clarification Many use Romans 3:10–12 ("There is none righteous, no, not one") as an excuse to continue in sin. However, Paul is describing the state of humanity without God. As Christians, we cannot use this text as a shield for disobedience. The Bible is full of people who, by God’s grace, lived justly.
B. Heroes of Righteousness
• Noah: In a generation so evil that God regretted creating man, Noah was "just" and "perfect" because he walked with God (Genesis 6:9). He didn't follow the majority; he followed the Maker.
• Job: Described as blameless and upright, Job remained just even when he lost everything (Job 1:1).
• Joseph (Husband of Mary): A man of mercy and justice who sought to protect Mary rather than publicly shame her (Matthew 1:19).
• Zacharias and Elizabeth: A couple who walked in all the commandments of the Lord blamelessly (Lucas 1:6), proving that holiness is possible within a marriage.
• Joseph of Arimathea: A member of the council who did not consent to the unjust decision to crucify Jesus (Luke 23:50–51).
• The Supreme Example: Jesus Christ, the "Holy and Just One" (Acts 3:14). Even His enemies, like Pilate and the Roman centurion, had to admit: "Certainly this was a righteous man" (Luke 23:47).
Conclusion of this point: If they could be just in their dark times, we have no excuse for failing to be just in ours.
II. WHAT DO WE GAIN BY BEING JUST?
Being just isn't just a moral obligation; it is the path to divine favor.
• Divine Reward: God never leaves the upright empty-handed. He keeps His eyes on the righteous (Job 36:7) and His ears are open to their prayers (Psalm 34:15).
• Deliverance: "Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all" (Psalm 34:19). Consider Daniel in the lions' den or Mordecai, who was honored while his enemy Haman fell into his own trap.
• Provision: God promises that the righteous will not be left hungry. As David wrote, "I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread" (Psalm 37:25).
• Hope in Death: Even at the end of life, the just man has a refuge (Proverbs 14:32). To God, the death of His saints is precious (Psalm 116:15).
• Divine Love: God loves the righteous because He Himself is righteous (Psalm 11:7).
III. WHEN ARE WE TRULY JUST?
Righteousness is not an occasional act; it is a consistent lifestyle.
1. In the Family: Children who obey their parents and parents who lead with integrity (Ephesians 6:1).
2. At Work: Masters who provide what is "just and equal" to employees, and employees who work with sincerity as if working for the Lord (Colossians 4:1; 3:22).
3. In Business: Using "just balances" and honest weights (Leviticus 19:36). God hates "double standards" or dishonest gain (Proverbs 20:10).
4. In Judgment: We are just when we stop judging by appearances and start judging with "righteous judgment" (John 7:24).
See Also
- The Wiles of the Devil: Understanding the Art of Deception
- How do people behave when the gospel is preached?
- What Happens When We Turn Away from God?
CONCLUSION
So, is it worth it to be just?
The world may offer a "shortcut" through injustice, but that path leads to a dead end. The path of the just is like the shining sun, shining ever brighter until the perfect day (Proverbs 4:18). In a world of darkness, being just is the greatest testimony you can give.
Choose today to walk the straight path, for there is a reward for the righteous, and there is a God who judges on the earth (Psalm 58:11).
