How much are we worth 2?

Last time I talked a little about how we value different people and different jobs or skills that society relies upon Over the last weeks we have seen events that suggest that some feel marginalised for other reasons and the protests, riots and looting that have followed are justified by some as expressions of anger against the injustices that they experience.

It led me back to reflecting upon how much we are valued or how much we think we are valued. In the face of an unequal society that various of course from country to country. Different forms of inequality present themselves according to culture, race and economics. In some countries we talk about the inequalities of the colour of skin. In others the inequalities of the shade of the colour of skin, in yet others the caste in which a person is born. In yet other countries it can be those who have power and those who are powerless. Yes, I realise that there are other forms of inequality and prejudice.

However in the cases above, there is, I think, another factor, economics. It seems to me that one of the key denominators in those forms of inequality and prejudice is that of economic access. The ideas of some being superior to others is nothing new, neither is the mighty ruling the less mighty. Throughout history it has been a factor in reducing the economic access for those in the "lower" orders, those less equal than others.

As a teenager I read and was moved by the story that George Orwell gave us in "Animal" farm and the salutary comment "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others". In some countries being white may well give an unfair advantage over others. in others its that a person is born to a higher caste or is from a people group who have power over others (regardless of colour). The result is usually the same, I think, that some are denied full access to appropriate education, resources, opportunities and the ability to help themselves. It can also breed a sense of helplessness, hopelessness or a lethargy in groups and so one spark can cause the sorts of reactions we have been seeing recently around the world. Not that I condone riots or looting, nor the total ignoring of social distancing in the protests, but I do understand the frustrations that lead to this.

Politics, action groups and the like have not made a huge difference to lower castes, minority groups to those who live in townships, ghettos or are part of ethnic minorities where there are social groups who have vested interests in keeping them down. Human schemes can only go so far.

Far too many folks have, in my opinion, bought the philosophy which suggests that "I" have the right to live life as I see fit, "I" decide what is right and wrong, (mentioned by the New You Times journalist Samuel Freedman and quoted by Tim Keller in Walking with God through pain and suffering). Whether we are in some way privileged or underprivileged, that philosophy leads to justification of whatever action we take to achieve or maintain our goals.

Jesus offered a radical solution to those "outcast" or "subjugated" by the society in which they lived, the same offer is there today. In humanity there needs to be a heart change. A change so radical that some are prepared to give up privilege, power, economic wealth and social standing, so that others might take part in the wealth and opportunities that should be available to all. But it also needs a heart change in those under privileged as well. To see the world differently, to take the opportunities that education can offer and so take part in changing society rather than being on the outside. People rarely change because they are told to, in my experience, but faith in Jesus will and does change us all. It gives us hope that we can and in fact do make a difference.

To the one who tries to amass wealth or power Jesus reminds us that all will die and leave it behind. He tells us to sow treasure in heaven by what we do here in this life.

To the one who feels put down. Jesus included all that he came across even those from outside of the Jewish people that he focused on at that time.No one is beyond his love and grace. He gives hope to all.

To the one who stands apathetically by, Jesus says when you do not do it to the least of these, you do not do it to me.

The kingdom of heaven is not about something we simply hope for in the future when we die. Jesus tells us that it is in our midst. It is with us - Christ initiated it so that we could be a part. We all have choices to make - to live for ourselves or to learn to live for each other. To love our neighbour as we love ourselves. 

I believe it is possible to make a better future for all. But it takes faith, love and the ability to sacrifice for others. The question for us all is will we?