Articles
Dolly Sods Wilderness
R E F L E C T I O N S
Thoughts on nature and the Christian faith
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"But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness
like an ever-flowing stream." - Amos 5:24
While hiking in the Dolly Sods Wilderness in the mountains of West Virginia, I came across this little stream flowing through the rock-strewn landscape. Both the sound of it dancing around the rocks and the sight of its clear waters brought joy to my heart. A single leaf resting on a large rock completed the scene for me. I saw many things on my hike that day, but what pleased me most was the sight of this stream.
When God spoke to the prophet Amos, he used the image of a stream to tell Amos what pleased him most. And it wasn't the trappings of religion being performed by the Israelites. In fact, God said he hated their songs and their sacrifices. Why? Because it was all a show. They were neglecting something far more important. What God wanted, what pleased him most, was righteousness and justice.
All too often, what we do in the confines of our church buildings is seen as the sole expression of our devotion to God. If that is all we offer to God, God views it all with hatred. Faith that is not expressed in concrete acts of personal righteousness and social justice is no faith at all. Of all people, Christians should be at the forefront of efforts to foster equality for the marginalized and help for the downtrodden. We don't have to agree with a person's theology, political views, or lifestyle before we can help them. We should be known as people who show love and give aide to those in need.
We should be champions of civil rights and justice for all.
That is not denying our faith, it is expressing it. What pleases God is justice that rolls down like waters and righteousness that is like an ever-flowing stream. Actually, that describes someone we claim to know. His name is Jesus. - John
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