Unique Callings: Justice, Mercy, and Faithfulness in Action

Summary

Today’s reflection began with a personal story about the unexpected journey into adoption, highlighting the brokenness of the system and the deep need for loving homes. This experience opened our eyes to the reality that while the call to care for orphans is clear in Scripture, not every justice issue—adoption included—is a universal calling for every believer. Instead, God calls each of us to act, but the specific tasks and passions He assigns are unique to each person. The heart of God is for justice, mercy, and faithfulness, and these are to be prioritized above even our most diligent religious activities.

Jesus’ words to the Pharisees remind us that religious devotion, while good, is empty if it does not lead to a life marked by compassion and justice. The call to act justly is not optional; it is central to the life of faith. Yet, the way we live out that call will differ. Paul’s teaching to the Corinthians illustrates that God assigns different tasks to different people, and our faithfulness is measured not by comparison to others, but by obedience to what God has specifically entrusted to us.

There are moments, however, when God calls His people to act together in unity—times when the Spirit stirs the church to collective action, as seen in the early church’s response to famine. But more often, discerning our role in justice begins with seeing the needs right in front of us, asking the Holy Spirit for discernment, and resisting the urge to judge others by the passions God has given us. We are called to be attentive to where God is moving, to join in when He calls, and to serve wholeheartedly—not for recognition, but out of love for God and neighbor.

Ultimately, the journey of justice is not about grand gestures or public acclaim, but about humble, faithful obedience to the unique task God has given each of us. It is about being moldable in God’s hands, attentive to His Spirit, and willing to act with courage and compassion wherever He leads.

Key Takeaways

- Justice, mercy, and faithfulness are at the heart of God’s desire for His people, surpassing even the most meticulous religious practices. True devotion is measured not by outward acts, but by a life that embodies God’s compassion and fairness toward others. Our spiritual disciplines are meant to shape us into people who act justly and love mercy in tangible ways. [12:20]

- God assigns each of us a unique task, and our faithfulness is measured by our obedience to that calling—not by comparison to others. The temptation to compare our impact or calling with others is strong, but God’s standard is not based on human achievement or recognition. Instead, He looks for faithfulness in the specific opportunities and gifts He has entrusted to us. [16:50]

- There are seasons when God calls His people to collective action, uniting hearts around a common cause. These moments are often marked by a clear movement of the Spirit, prompting the church to respond together to urgent needs. Recognizing and joining these movements requires sensitivity to God’s timing and a willingness to set aside personal agendas for the sake of the greater good. [22:01]

- Discerning which justice issues to engage with begins by noticing the needs right in front of us, rather than being distracted by distant or media-driven causes. Often, the most significant opportunities for justice are those that intersect with our daily lives—neighbors, coworkers, or situations we encounter regularly. Asking the Holy Spirit for discernment is a courageous prayer, as it will lead us into costly, but deeply fulfilling, acts of obedience. [26:21]

- We must resist the urge to judge others by the passions or tasks God has assigned to us. While it is natural to feel strongly about the issues God has placed on our hearts, it is a mark of maturity to recognize that God distributes different burdens and callings among His people. Instead of demanding uniformity, we are called to celebrate the diversity of God’s assignments and trust Him to move in others as He has moved in us. [31:50]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:51] - The Unexpected Call to Foster and Adopt
[03:43] - Facing the Brokenness of the System
[05:35] - Is Every Justice Issue for Everyone?
[08:11] - Jesus’ Rebuke: Justice Over Ritual
[09:12] - The Heart of Spiritual Disciplines
[12:20] - Called to Act: Justice, Mercy, and Faithfulness
[14:58] - Unique Callings: Paul, Apollos, and Us
[16:50] - God’s Standard: Faithfulness, Not Comparison
[18:39] - The Challenge and Cost of Adoption
[20:15] - When God Calls Us Together
[22:01] - The Early Church’s Collective Response
[25:36] - How to Discern Your Justice Assignment
[26:21] - Seeing the Need in Front of You
[31:50] - Don’t Judge Others by Your Calling
[33:26] - Joining Where God is Moving
[35:57] - Closing Prayer and Blessing

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

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### Bible Reading

Matthew 23:23 (ESV)
> “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others.”

Micah 6:8 (ESV)
> “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”

1 Corinthians 3:5-9 (ESV)
> “What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor. For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field, God’s building.”

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### Observation Questions

1. In Matthew 23:23, what specific things does Jesus say the Pharisees are neglecting, even though they are careful about tithing?
2. According to Micah 6:8, what three things does God require of His people?
3. In 1 Corinthians 3:5-9, what does Paul say about the different roles he and Apollos played in the church?
4. The sermon described a personal story about adoption and the brokenness of the system. What was one way this experience changed the speaker’s understanding of God’s call to justice? [[03:43]]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why does Jesus say that justice, mercy, and faithfulness are “weightier” than religious rituals like tithing? What does this reveal about God’s priorities? [[08:11]]
2. The sermon says that not every justice issue is a universal calling for every believer. How does Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 3:5-9 support this idea? [[16:50]]
3. The early church responded together to a famine (Acts 11, 1 Corinthians 16). What does this teach us about times when God calls His people to collective action? [[22:01]]
4. The speaker warns against judging others by the passions or tasks God has given us. Why is this important for unity in the church? [[31:50]]

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon says that justice, mercy, and faithfulness are more important than even our most diligent religious activities. Is there a spiritual discipline or church activity in your life that sometimes distracts you from actually living out compassion and justice? What would it look like to realign your priorities? [[12:20]]
2. Think about the unique gifts, opportunities, or passions God has given you. What is one area of justice or mercy that you feel especially drawn to? How can you take a step of obedience in that area this month, without comparing yourself to others? [[16:50]]
3. The sermon encourages us to notice the needs right in front of us, rather than being distracted by distant or media-driven causes. Who is someone in your daily life (neighbor, coworker, classmate) who might need an act of justice or mercy from you? What is one practical thing you could do for them this week? [[26:21]]
4. The speaker called asking the Holy Spirit for discernment a “dangerous prayer” because it will cost us something. Are you willing to pray this prayer? What fears or hesitations do you have about what God might ask you to do? [[28:02]]
5. Have you ever felt frustrated that others in the church don’t share your passion for a certain cause? How can you celebrate the diversity of callings in the body of Christ instead of judging or resenting others? [[31:50]]
6. The sermon described times when God calls His people to act together in unity. Can you think of a time when you sensed God moving the church (or a group of believers) to respond to a need? What was your role, and what did you learn from that experience? [[22:01]]
7. The speaker said that the journey of justice is not about grand gestures or public acclaim, but about humble, faithful obedience. What is one “small” act of justice or mercy you can do this week that no one else may notice, but that would honor God? [[35:57]]

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Devotional

Day 1: Justice, Mercy, and Faithfulness Over Mere Religious Activity
God calls His people to prioritize justice, mercy, and faithfulness above religious rituals or outward acts of devotion. While spiritual disciplines like tithing, prayer, and church attendance are important, they are meant to shape hearts that act compassionately and justly toward others. Jesus rebuked the religious leaders for their meticulous observance of the law while neglecting the weightier matters of justice and mercy, reminding us that true faith is demonstrated in how we treat those around us. Let your spiritual practices lead you to a life marked by compassion, fairness, and steadfastness to God's heart. [09:12]

Matthew 23:23 (ESV)
"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others."

Reflection: In what area of your life have you been focusing on religious activity while overlooking an opportunity to show justice or mercy to someone near you? How can you shift your focus today?


Day 2: Each Person Has a Unique God-Given Task
God assigns each believer a unique task, and He does not compare us to others but calls us to be faithful with what He has entrusted to us. Whether your role is planting seeds of faith, nurturing growth, or serving in unseen ways, your value is not measured against others but by your obedience to God's specific calling for you. Instead of striving to match someone else's passion or achievements, seek to discern and fulfill the assignment God has given you, knowing that He alone brings the growth and rewards faithfulness. [16:50]

1 Corinthians 3:5-9 (ESV)
"What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor. For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field, God’s building."

Reflection: What is one specific way you sense God has uniquely called you to serve or act for justice? How can you take a step of faith in that area this week?


Day 3: Sometimes God Calls His People to Act Together
There are moments when God moves His people collectively to respond to a pressing need or justice issue, uniting hearts and resources for a greater impact. Throughout history and in the early church, believers came together to provide for those in crisis, such as the famine in Jerusalem, demonstrating the power of unified action. Be attentive to the times when God is stirring a shared response among His people, and be willing to join in, knowing that together you can accomplish what no one could do alone. [25:36]

Acts 11:27-30 (ESV)
"Now in these days prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. And one of them named Agabus stood up and foretold by the Spirit that there would be a great famine over all the world (this took place in the days of Claudius). So the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul."

Reflection: Is there a justice issue or need that you sense God is calling your church or community to address together? How might you participate in a collective response this season?


Day 4: See the Justice Issue Right in Front of You
Often, the most significant opportunities for justice and compassion are right before us, but we can become distracted by distant or abstract issues. God invites you to open your eyes to the needs of your neighbor, coworker, or someone you encounter daily, rather than being consumed by problems beyond your immediate reach. By noticing and responding to the person or situation God places in your path, you become an agent of His justice and mercy in tangible ways. [26:21]

Proverbs 3:27 (ESV)
"Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it."

Reflection: Who is someone in your daily life that you may have overlooked but who needs your help or support? What is one practical way you can act for their good today?


Day 5: Don’t Judge Others by the Task Assigned to You
While God may ignite a deep passion in your heart for a particular cause or justice issue, He may assign different tasks and burdens to others. It is important not to judge or look down on those who do not share your specific calling, but instead to encourage and pray for them as they pursue what God has placed on their hearts. By honoring the diversity of callings within the body of Christ, you foster unity and allow God’s purposes to flourish through many different avenues. [31:50]

Romans 14:4 (ESV)
"Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand."

Reflection: Is there someone whose lack of passion for your cause has frustrated you? How can you release judgment and instead pray for God to guide them in their unique calling?

Quotes

We are all called to act. Every single person here, in terms of issues of justice, we are all called to act. You don't have to wonder if God wants you to get involved with something. [00:06:27] (15 seconds)  #CalledToAct Edit Clip Translate Clip

Each of us, especially mine, we're just tools in God's toolbox that he uses. It's God who caused you to grow. He doesn't need any of us. And someday he's going to take each of us off the planet. And guess what? It'll keep spinning. And God's word will keep going. And people will keep growing because it doesn't need us. Thank God he uses me, but he doesn't need me. I know that. I want you to know that too. [00:15:25] (30 seconds)  #ToolsInGodsHands Edit Clip Translate Clip

When Paul stands before God, he will be rewarded if he accomplished the specific task that God called Paul to. Apollos did something different, but he won't be compared to Paul. He will be compared by the task that God assigned to him. Thank goodness I'm not going to stand before God and God's going to say, there's only one comparison. Listen, all of us are going to stand next to Jesus and be compared. And we all fall short. Paul, Apollos, Joel, Mother Teresa. Billy Graham. Everyone falls short. It's only by his grace that makes up the difference. [00:16:20] (35 seconds)  #MeasuredByOurTask Edit Clip Translate Clip

If you were to ask them and I afterwards, do we think adoption is for everyone? We'll tell you, it won't even be hesitation, no. It is not. It is a difficult road. It will break your heart. Raising kids who have a background that you're not aware with, that come from a broken background, is difficult. Raising children, period, is difficult. But you just multiply that by at least 10 in terms of difficulty, and you have adoption. It's not for everyone. [00:19:04] (30 seconds)  #AdoptionIsHard Edit Clip Translate Clip

We all do that where we complain about this policy or that policy or what's happening way over there. Meanwhile, somebody who needs aid right next to us, we're blind to it. We don't even see it. It's our neighbor. It's our coworker. It's somebody we say hi to every day or walk by every day. [00:28:02] (18 seconds)  #BlindToNeighbors Edit Clip Translate Clip

Don't judge others by the task assigned to you. Listen, if God lays something on your heart, you should be passionate. I hope when you talk to Lynn and I about adoption, you feel the excitement and the challenge, but also what God has done and how wonderful it is to see these four children, right? Kind of...kind of have a different life than the path they were going down. But don't confuse your passion that God has laid on your heart as a passion that everyone should have. [00:31:29] (33 seconds)  #RespectDifferentPassions Edit Clip Translate Clip

Don't confuse the task that God assigned you with something that everybody needs to be passionate about and everyone needs to react to it the way you are or else there's something wrong with them. There's not anything wrong with them, potentially. There's something wrong, by the way, with all of us. But it could just be that God's laid another task, another thing onto their heart. [00:32:41] (22 seconds)  #DifferentTasksDifferentHearts Edit Clip Translate Clip

See where God is moving and join in. There will be times when God says, it's time, I need you to come together. Like I say, it's time, I need you to come together. We're, as a church, going to come together. and we're going to serve our community. You'll see a time where there's certain social issues that all of a sudden it just picks up. It just kind of picks up. [00:33:32] (20 seconds)  #JoinGodsMovement Edit Clip Translate Clip

Keep your eyes and your ears open and it will, it will, you'll see it way before they do. Because usually those places are giving you issues to get your money or your time or both. Because your time gets them money. They don't really care about the issue. You got to be careful of that. There's a lot of folks out there that are yelling, justice, justice, justice, as they're going cha -ching, cha -ching, cha -ching in their bank account. [00:34:22] (29 seconds)  #WatchForFalseJustice Edit Clip Translate Clip