Leadership is a complex issue. Add the commitment to do it well, to leading in a pleasing way to God, and the complications increase. As a leader, I want to think and act in ways that are fair, just, and right. So, I need to carefully consider Biblical principles as I lead those for whom I have responsibility under my employ.

My aspiration, as a leader, is described well by Amos when he said,

But let justice roll on like a river,
righteousness like a never-failing stream!

Amos 5:24

The importance of justice is woven throughout Scripture which provides us many insights. Let’s look at how justice is presented, prioritized, and practiced.

1. Justice Presented

God has tremendous fervor for justice as a component of His moral perfection. According to Isaiah, when God shows compassion and justice, he is simply being Himself.

Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; 
therefore he will rise up to show you compassion.
For the Lord is a God of justice.
Blessed are all who wait for him!

Isaiah 30:18

Similarly, God’s loathing for injustice is a component of His opposition to unrighteousness. Sin is anything contrary to the character of God while righteousness is identified as conformity to God’s character. Sin is associated with self-centeredness, while justice and righteousness are other-centered expressions.

How often do I let self-centeredness take over

when I should really be other-centered?

2. Justice Prioritized

God’s priority and passion for justice is evident from Genesis through Revelation. This is especially true in the writings of the poets and the prophets. 

The Lord loves righteousness and justice;

the earth is full of his unfailing love.

Psalm 33:5

Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne;

love and faithfulness go before you.

Psalm 89: 14

The works of his hands are faithful and just;

all his precepts are trustworthy.

Psalm 111:7

For I, the Lord, love justice;
I hate robbery and wrongdoing.

Isaiah 61:8

Justice was also a priority for Jesus, conspicuous in how He transcended social, racial and economic barriers in His ministry.

In what ways do I intentionally demonstrate my commitment

to living out justice and fairness in my workplace?

3. Justice Practiced

Putting justice into practice is easier said than done. However, the prophet Micah cut to the heart of the issue when he answers his own questions:

He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.

And what does the Lord require of you?

To act justly and to love mercy

and to walk humbly with your God.

Micah 6:8

In essence, his admonition sounds like Jesus as he expounded the Golden Rule: Behave justly and mercifully toward other people and walk humbly before God.

Looking closer at these three responses, to “act justly” refers to the quality of being impartial or fair. “Love mercy” is being moved by compassion to tangibly respond to a person in need tangibly. And finally, “walking humbly” with God recognizes the poverty of mind, soul, spirit and body that we all possess without the grace of God.

Leaders who “walk humbly with your God” recognize their human foibles and are more apt to lead humanely to their employees. Leaders who cry out to God to be fair, just, and merciful are more apt to grant others what they know they need from God.

Who do you have in your life and work that will keep

you accountable to be fair, just, and right?

Remember what Christ promised in the Sermon on the Mount when He announced the Beatitudes:

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for

righteousness, for they will be filled.

Matt 5:6