The Lord’s Prayer is probably the most well-known Scripture in the Bible and “Thy Kingdom come; Thy will be done” is the poetic utterance that we like to make when everything in the world is not going as it would if we were in charge. But have we really understood what this phrase means? Is doing works of social justice the will of God and is a society filled with love and tolerance indicative of His Kingdom?

Jesus said, “My Kingdom is not of this world…” Jesus also said, “For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life.” When Jesus came to earth, he did not spend his time overthrowing the corrupt establishment or fighting for social issues- and there were many social issues at that time- instead, he spent His time spreading truth and offering people something of eternal value.

Does this mean that we should stop doing good works and just focus on speaking truth? No. However, one American pastor said it quite well when he said, “Social justice without Jesus is no justice at all.” In other words, it is not loving or compassionate to make people comfortable on the road to hell.

Care for those who need it; speak for those who can’t speak themselves; fight for the helpless and weak, but do not think for a moment that doing good for people reduces their need for what is really important. Let these good works be a tool that you use to bring people to Christ. Do not let these works be sufficient in and of themselves. We all live in a world that is dying. Christ is the “Resurrection and the Life;” look to Him and live.

Welcome, dear friends, to Home Church Langley!