10 Christian Social Justice Goals for 2017

Holy smokes … 2016 was a CRAZY year, full of goodness and brokenness, hashtags and hope.

At times. it has felt like we are all adrift on one of those tiny inflatable refugee boats—fleeing turmoil on every side and heading toward who knows what.

We are buffeted by the waves of hatred and war-mongering, racism and bad hair.

Ridiculous politicians and media pundits have given voice to our basest instincts, riding the waves of our insecurities instead of calming the storm.

And yet, in the midst of the turbulent winds, there have been times of peace and joy, too. There have been moments where we have turned toward our neighbors and simply said, “Welcome,” or, “I’m sorry.”

So, as we start 2017, imagine the sea is calm for a moment. The sun rises on a new day with brilliant red and orange. The slate is clean. Gather your thoughts and be encouraged by this Scripture:

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. (James 1:2-6)

I believe 2017 will be another year of trials and challenges. No doubt, wars and strife will continue to rage. And our leaders will continue to let us down.

Still, you and I are called to persevere. To grow in our faith and wisdom. We are called to follow the path of Jesus, who points us toward the upside-down kingdom.

We are called to practice small acts of justice, mercy and faithfulness (Micah 6:8).

So, with that in mind, here are 10 New Year’s resolutions to live more justly in the coming year.

1. Ride public transportation at least once a week this year.

If you don’t already ride public transportation, this simple act will take you out of your comfort zone (literally out of your car) and into contact with folks you might not normally rub shoulders with.

As a result, you’ll be more likely to meet people on the margins and more likely to see things from a different perspective—not to mention brownie points for being nice to the environment.

2. Invite someone outside your family and usual circle of friends to an annual celebration.

Considering Jesus clearly asked us to do this in Luke 14, it’s surprising that partying with the poor is not more central to our Christian lives. So, add this zinger to your 2017 bucket list and start with one person: “When you throw a party, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you WILL be blessed” (Luke 14:13-14).

3. Get your hands dirty.

Most of the world’s population—our poor and marginalized brothers and sisters (my neighbors here in Cambodia)—are engaged day in and day out in manual labor. They produce the food and products that you and I consume.

As an act of solidarity with them, consider a rhythm of life that includes some physical work. It could be something simple like growing some of your own vegetables or even making some of your own furniture.

4. Commit to learning more deeply about one justice issue in 2017.

No-one can engage with every issue or need that arises, but don’t let that be an excuse to bury your head in the sand (or in a year-long Netflix binge). Prayerfully choose ONE THING that affects your local community or another nation and learn all you can this year from those engaged in the struggle. Become an ally to those who are fighting for justice.

5. Have a cup of coffee with someone from another religion this year.

With all the hatred being directed toward people of other faiths in 2016, let’s make a concerted effort to be different, countercultural and more Christ-like. Ask God to lead you to someone you can learn from, someone from another culture and religion. Then, have a nice hot beverage and chat with that person for starters.

6. For the next 12 months, get most of your clothes at a thrift store.

Our shopping habits are out of control, and this year is the perfect year to get things back in order. You don’t need more stuff in your wardrobe. So, do the world a favor and take Macklemore’s advice—head over to the thrift shop next time you need a new outfit.

7. Read and be inspired by one of the prophets.

Take your pick: Amos, Ezekiel, Isaiah … any of those grizzly old street preachers will be a worthy challenge. Spend some time immersed in the words of the prophets of old. Read the whole book, start to finish. Allow the Scriptures to speak to the situations of injustice that you care about, and underline any passages that speak of justice, poverty or mercy. Reflect on these in the light of Jesus and his upside-down kingdom.

8. Make room for one more child this year.

God’s concern for vulnerable children (usually framed as “orphans”) is legendary. In fact, Jesus went so far as to say, you welcome HIM whenever you welcome a child in his name. So, could you make room in your life for one more child this year?

This is the challenge we give to young people in the slums of Asia and Africa: to become Alongsiders, walking alongside those who walk alone.

It could be as simple as a spontaneous game of football down at the park or volunteering as a Big Brother, or as costly as opening up your home and becoming a foster family.

9. Embrace the Sabbath 52 times this year.

Yep, take Sundays (or Saturdays or whatever) off to rest, unplug from technology, worship and enjoy God’s creation. You might wonder what this has to do with justice, but God created this world to move in rhythms of work and rest. Our relentless pursuit of activity, entertainment and productivity is destroying the earth and our own well-being. Isaiah 58 clearly connects Sabbath-keeping with justice. So this year, make rest a priority and everyone will benefit.

10. Spend one week in an urban slum.

This might seem impossible or too radical, but in my experience there are few things so deeply impactful as being immersed in a place of poverty. I know my life has been changed forever. If you want to be shaken to the core and have your heart broken for the poor, then seriously consider seeking out a way to learn from the poorest.

Craig Greenfield (@craigasauros) is the founder of Alongsiders International and author of Subversive Jesus: An Adventure in Justice, Mercy, and Faithfulness in a Broken World (Zondervan, 2016). A storyteller and activist living in urban slum communities for the past 15 years, Craig’s passion is to communicate God’s heart for the marginalized around the world. Get a free copy of Craig’s first book Urban Halo at his website. This article was originally published on Craig’s blog.

Craig Greenfield
Craig Greenfield

Craig Greenfield (@craigasauros) is the founder of Alongsiders International and author of Subversive Jesus: An Adventure in Justice, Mercy, and Faithfulness in a Broken World (Zondervan). A storyteller and activist living in urban slum communities for the past 15 years, Craig’s passion is to communicate God’s heart for the marginalized around the world.

Keep Calm and Minister

Can you pass the "Timothy Test?"

4 Ways God’s Spirit Leads His People

We don't always have the full picture, but discerning how God is leading you is not unclear.

Fit for the Kingdom

The Lord prompted Reardon to think about combining Christian fellowship with fitness in order to create a new small group for men.