Ben Jack on dealing with injustice

Ben Jack

Well Christmas disappeared faster than my Dad's hair when he hit the ripe age of 18, and the New Year is upon us. Did you make any resolutions this year? Giving up anything in 2009? Going to get in shape by hitting the gym regularly? Cutting back on reality TV shows? How about this one:

"In 2009 I Will Not Be Bullied" or "In 2009 I Will Not Be A Bully"

When I was at school I was fortunate enough to escape without any real bullying issues. I'd love to say that the reason for this was that if I ever got hassled, then in true Bruce Lee style I would open up a can of whoopage on the bully, liberate the school from their evil tyrannous reign, and whisk the girl off into the sunset! But I would of course be telling porky pies. Sadly I was no martial arts expert, and by the time I had the courage to talk to the girl, the sun had already set. But I did have one weapon in my arsenal against any potential bullies - comedy! It's amazing what situations you can get yourself out of when you have a bit of humor about you (mind you, it's amazing the situations you can get yourself into). So thanks largely to the gift of the gab (and an older sister who had some rather tough friends) I had a pretty smooth ride. However, there are many who aren't so fortunate. Indeed there may be some of you reading this now who were not looking forward to getting back to school or work this New Year for that exact reason.

I don't have any statistics about bullying to give you (you could call me lazy for not getting any, but then I could accuse you of bullying!) but I'm sure if I did they would make for grim reading. Let me point out at this stage that I'm not just referring to playground bullying, which the majority of us most readily picture when the word bullying comes up. Bullying takes all sorts of shapes and forms, and can affect any demograph, in any situation. School, work, home, relationships and family life, the list of bullying situations and environments can go on and on.

Now I'm not here to write an anti-bullying article as such, but rather to look at how we should deal with injustice.

As a Christian, my reaction to injustice in the world (big or small!) should be simple. It should make me angry. Not the anger that comes from personal grievance (selfish or hateful anger) but a selfless and righteous anger, (so don't be passing that road rage off as righteous anger!)

I used to love watching the old 'Incredible Hulk' TV show every Saturday night. Each week David Banner would travel to a new place and get involved in an unjust situation, which ultimately led to him transforming into a big green giant (fortunately not the same one as the peas and sweetcorn green giant, or there would have been havoc on the farm). He would then fight against the wicked to win victory for the oppressed. David Banner transforming into the Hulk was the physical embodiment of his anger! I'm sure we've all been in situations where having that ability would have been useful, (although the cost of the ripping shirts would soon mount up).

But as Christians aren't we supposed to be loving and kind and... well, yes, of course! But the same kind of righteous (and indeed selfless) anger saw Jesus turn the tables in the temple courtyard. Jesus set the example for us that righteous anger should always be pro-active anger. This is definitely a good time to say that doesn't mean wanton destruction and damage, or violent acts! It means appropriate action to the situation. This could manifest itself as speaking up to a teacher or parent about a problem, telling your boss about a situation, signing a petition, or organizing a demonstration (peaceful please, and don't go covering yourself in green body paint for added 'Hulk' effect). Often times, speaking out publicly to the right people is the best outlet for our righteous anger.

When something is stirred in your heart, do something about it! Some of the worst things that have happened to man (by man), occurred because no one spoke out, no one acted. We cannot account for the world's actions. We Christians cannot even account for other Christians' actions. But we can account for our own individual actions. As we one by one begin to act and speak out against injustice in this world, big and small, so may we encourage one another, Christian or not, to do the same. You don't have to believe in Jesus to benefit from his examples.

If there is bullying in the world it is because we allow it to exist. I pray that we all have the courage and sense of justice to help speak out and stand up for and alongside those who need us. I pray you will be there for me when I have no voice, and I ask forgiveness from God and anyone who has ever suffered injustice where I failed to speak up.

David Banner would always say just before he turned big and green "You wouldn't like me when I'm angry", and sure enough they never did! When acting with a godly righteousness, with Jesus at the centre of our lives, the world needs us when we're angry.

If you are struggling with a bullying situation, please visit the Connections section of the Cross Rhythms website for organisations that can help you. You might also like to pray in the Cross Rhythms Prayer Rooms.