Self-Righteous Oppression

Beware being taken in by the hypocrisy of the self-righteous. We try to hide the reality of our inner lives, but all secrets will come to light. What is whispered in the dark will be heard in full daylight, widely broadcast and published.

Do we really think that those who died in the collapse of the Twin Towers were any worse offenders than everyone else in New York City? Do we think the four girls killed at 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham were more sinful than those who set the bombs? Are the oppressed less worthy than their oppressors?

We applaud civil rights heroes of the past, yet retain policies which actively oppose them. We join parades and erect monuments in their honor, bearing witness to their cause as just. Then we push new policies to keep the same minorities in subjection! How were diversity, equity, and inclusion just and righteous then, but now suddenly a threat?

We pray before a meal, giving thanks for God’s provision. Meanwhile, greed directs your business decisions. The One who provides us with food is just as concerned with those we deny a place at the table. Prayers don’t right the injustices of our actions. Share God’s provision with everyone, and we won’t need to feel guilty for enjoying God’s blessings and provision. Living that way, every breath and sip of water can be taken as a blessing of God’s provision.

Calculate tithes down to your kitchen garden herbs, yet don’t neglect the injustices all around us. We should love our neighbors who live in distress and oppression, correcting the many injustices they face, not neglecting the very purpose of those tithes and offerings to meet their needs. Do justice, and then our tithes may have merit!

We silence prophets, sages, and scholars by any means possible. We rail against defenders of justice. We oppose those who call us to live by love. We own all the injustice and oppression we promote.

Its blood stains our hands and invalidates our prayers.



— ©Copyright 2025, Christopher B. Harbin 



http://www.sermonsearch.com/contributors/104427/

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