Just Add Righteousness

Luke 3:1-14

According to Luke, as John the Baptist preached and baptized he began to attract large crowds. Among those who came to him seeking direction for their lives were some unsavory types. As we read, “Even tax collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, ‘Teacher, what should we do?’ He said to them, ‘Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you.’ Soldiers also asked him, ‘And we, what should we do?’ He said to them, ‘Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be satisfied with your wages’” (Luke 3:12-14). According to some commentators we may assume that both the tax collectors and soldiers to whom Luke refers were Jews in the employ of the Romans, and therefore considered traitors. Yet even they were moved to seek repentance. And what does John say to these people? He does not tell them to renounce their occupations. Instead he challenges them to fulfill their positions with righteousness and justice. Tax collectors should take no more than is due to them. Soldiers should be content with their income and not resort to extortion in order to earn more. By God’s grace what they have been given should be enough, John is saying.

Yes, there are activities that are wholly irredeemable. But society would be greatly blessed if people of faith would act with righteousness in the lawful tasks they undertake. I don’t think it is too much of a stretch to apply John the Baptist’s words to modern leaders of government and business. Those who cling to ideology, partisanship, and profitability — be they liberal or conservative –– at the expense of doing what is just are no better than extortionists. The tax collectors and soldiers to whom John spoke had made greed into an idol. Political or economic dogma is just as dangerous. Do the right thing, John says. Be content with what God has given you and act with a generosity of mind and spirit. I realize this is not an easy undertaking (in fact, the easy part is seeing the faults in other people). But if we are true in our desire to repent and get right with God we’ve got to be willing to change, to give up what may seem essential to us in order to meet the needs of others. In whatever we do, we must remain focused on God’s will. Anything else will serve to distance us from the righteousness of God.

Prayer: Lord, these are difficult times that require difficult choices. Help us at all times to live according to your will and to renounce the idolatries that scream for our attention. Amen.