For us or Against Us?
The concept of neutrality relates to being impartial and choosing not to take sides during a conflict. This position is appropriate for circumstances such as the beginning of a trial. A judge or a team of jurors need to be seen as impartial in order to judge a case fairly. It is at the end of the trial when the judge and jurors need to make a judgement. At this time they need to make a decision for or against either side and determine which side was wrong.
Oftentimes people suffer from people pleasing habits which makes them want to be liked by everyone. The problem with this trait is that you run the risk of sitting on the fence. As it relates to matters of injustice and inequality, we do not get the benefit of remaining neutral. Being silent or non committal when wrongs are being committed makes us culpable. “There is a time to keep silent and a time to speak” (Ecclesiastes 3:7).
There are situations when we do not have the benefit of neutrality. Isaiah said, “learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause” (Isaiah 1:17). God is not a neutral God and Jesus did not take the ‘path of least resistance.’ Jesus would very often ‘call a spade a spade’ and his forthrightness put him in direct conflict with the religious leaders.
There is nothing easy about Christianity. It is a misconception to think that God wants us to walk around pretending to be perfect little Christians who do not see colour or do not see evil. We look for the good in others but there are times when we have to acknowledge evil and injustice. When we see injustice, we have to do what Isaiah said; seek justice and correct oppression.
“But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream” (Amos 5:24).
A.P.-Y.
Published by Anneta Pinto-Young
I am a trained Social Worker who currently provides professional leadership on a programme to support Social Work students and Newly Qualified Social Workers entering the Social Work Profession.
Born and raised in Jamaica in a Christian family where my father is an ordained Pastor and Deacon who has served for over 50 years in the ministry. My father is also a trained musician and our family can be described as a musical family. I grew up in a small farming community in St. Peter’s, St. Andrew and my parents also have a small farm.
I credit my gift of writing to my father who I watched and listened to over the years as he wrote sermons, poems and other recitals in his capacity in ministry. English has always been an easy subject for me and over the years I have developed an increased interest in writing.
I am a Trainer, I sing and have a passion for worship, the spoken word and the free flow of the prophetic anointing. I am married to my best friend Andrew Christopher Young who is an advanced Musician and whose music you can find on YouTube and Facebook. I am a trained Coach and Mentor and I love experimenting with food so I love cooking. I enjoy trying cultural dishes from across the world and I view food as an entry into cultures and languages.
View all posts by Anneta Pinto-Young
Published
March 13, 2021March 22, 2021
