You’re reading part 3 of the 6-week Summer Soul Refresher series from BGEA. Catch up on part 1: Whatever Is True and part 2: Whatever Is Honorable.
“Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just …”
This week, we pause to think about “whatever is just” from Philippians 4:8.
Know that first and foremost, God is just. He is impartial. And He judges fairly—even when we can’t see the bigger picture, and the world around us seems to be unraveling.
God sees His faithful children, and He isn’t necessarily blessing those who shun Him. He is simply moving in His timing. Remember Deuteronomy 32:4, which declares, “The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he.”
So if we’re thinking on “whatever is just,” we must trust that God’s work is perfect, His ways are just and unbiased (Romans 2:11). His approach also embodies righteousness and sincerity—two more synonyms etymologists use to fully define the word “just.”
Righteousness should radiate from our daily lives as we live before God and others (2 Corinthians 8:21). That means joyfully serving even the most difficult person in your life (Hebrews 6:10).
It also means standing against injustice, wherever it exists—including in the lives of persecuted Christians. At the recent World Summit in Defense of Persecuted Christians in Washington, D.C., Franklin Graham said, “We have a responsibility to speak out for our brothers and sisters in the faith that are undergoing persecution.”
Finally, seeking justice and righteousness means sincerely praying for those in authority even when you disagree with their policies and practices (1 Timothy 2:1-2).
Walking justly is not easy, but that’s what turns the believer into a beacon for Jesus Christ. Billy Graham once said, “Unless men of purpose, integrity and faith stand together in unswerving loyalty to Jesus Christ, the future of the world is dark indeed.”
Explore the following resources to help you live justly:
Trust God is just:
>>God will deal with evil in this world in His time. Learn more.
>>“Every problem facing America is a spiritual problem.” Find hope in this timeless message from Billy Graham.
Unlock the mystery of justice.
>>Listen and share this Billy Graham sermon that examines perfect justice.
Commit to being a person of integrity.
>>“Don’t cut corners.” Billy Graham explains why in this My Answer post.
>>Consider a plan for your life as you review the BGEA’s Modesto Manifesto.
Resolve to leave a legacy of righteousness.
>>Choose to hunger for righteousness as you read and share this devotion.
Prepare for anticipated resistance.
>>“Why Must the Righteous Suffer?”: A devotional thought from Billy Graham.
Struggling to live justly in today’s broken world? Find peace with God today.
