Justice Seeking

Our program at Beacon Christian School is woven together by ten threads called Throughlines. Throughlines are qualities that we desire our students to develop as God is revealed to them "in all things." They answer the question, "How now shall I live?

This month our focus in on the throughline Justice Seeking.

As written by the Prairie Centre for Christian Education based in Alberta, we acknowledge that the world is not as God intended it to be. U2 lead singer and social activist Bono once said, “Every age has its massive moral blind spots. We might not see them, but our children will.” We are able to lead our students to see the injustices in this world—the injustices of poverty, racism, gender inequality, war, exploitation in work places, abuse in relationships, poor governance etc. 

But seeing these things can’t be where we stop. If we do, we leave our students discouraged and hopeless. We need to enable students to act as agents of change by BOTH identifying and responding to injustices. Together we must find the moral blind spots and bring the vision of God’s kingdom to them.

The Bible is clear that justice is a central part of the shalom of God’s kingdom.  The Bible leaves no doubt that Christian lives must be lives of justice.  It is the first requirement listed in answer to Micah’s question, “What does the Lord require of you?  To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8)

God has decided to use his people (us!) to do His work in this world!  What a responsibility and privilege!  Christian education nurtures and disciples young people to take on this ongoing responsibility and to rejoice in the glimpses of the kingdom that they get in this task.

Last week, we welcome Pastor Kevin to our chapel. He told us the story of the Good Smaritan. He asked us how we wanted to be remembered?

What do we hope those who know us will see in us? Words like compassionate, caring, loving, Godly, humble, helpful, kind were some of the things our students hope others see in them. 

This week, we continued digging into what it means to seek justice.

Our Grade 1 students led us in opening worship.

We also welcomed two people who are involved in the homeless shelter at Southridge Church. 

Both spoke about finding friendship through the shelter. 

 It was interesting to meet and hear their stories and how finding friends in unlikely places has changed their lives. We were reminded that no one begins life dreaming about being homeless and that those without homes began their lives much like the rest of us. Their stories offered insight and thought into another area where we can seek to do what is just. 

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy. Proverbs 31:8 (NIV)