Lately, I've been spending a lot of time studying the book of Proverbs.  For those of you unfamiliar with Proverbs, simply put a proverb is a wise saying. Therefore, the book of Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings that can have practical application to our Christian lives.

Recently, while reading the Proverbs, I ran across Chapter 31. This chapter deals with speaking up for people who cannot speak for themselves. This idea, the idea of giving a voice to the voiceless has so many different applications.

As Christians, it is not only our duty, but also a privilege to stand up for those unable to do so for themselves. Great examples of this are standing up for the sanctity of life, giving a voice to the unborn child who by some is viewed as nothing more than extra human cells which can be destroyed. As we know, unborn children are just as much God's beautiful creation as anything else in this world, yet they are unable to speak for themselves, so we give them that voice by standing up for the right to life.

Another example of giving a voice to the voiceless is standing up against social injustices. The current state of both the country and the world makes people very easy to exploit and take advantage of. This can happen in many ways through workers being exploited by employers, the homeless being taken advantage of by local government, and even by religious organizations taking advantage of their members in order to have monetary gain. In all of these situations, God calls us to make a stand.

Proverbs 31: 8-9
"Speak up for the people who have no voice,
for the rights of all the down and outers.
Speak up for justice!
Stand up for the poor and destitute!"

In a world that tries to look out for itself, we need to look out for others.  Now I know what your thinking,
"But Sean, how in the heck can i stand up for people without a voice? I'm just a kid. People don't really listen to people my age"
Well I'm here to tell you that your argument is trash. God isn't just calling adults, He's calling all of his children, young and old, to be His voice in a world that chooses not to listen.

So then how can we do this all? Simple. Get up, Get out, and Do it.
There are so many youth out there who are standing up for what they think is right. Some of these youth organize fundraisers for countries like Haiti or Darfur. Some start student organizations to start changes in their community. All of these are great things! Why not do the same for what you believe in? I would bet that there are others out there who feel the same way, and while 1 person can make a difference, many people can make even more of a difference.

This month, some of our youth members are standing up and speaking out for an organization called The Life Center in Elgin. This organization is in the community helping out single mothers and young girls and women who have "crisis" pregnancies. This organization is giving  a chance for those unborn children to have a voice. As a youth group we will be raising money to help support this ministry.  This is a great chance to stand up for justice!

Some young adults ( people not too much older than you) are standing up and supporting other those who are in difficult situations like homelessness, drug addiction, and those coming out of prison through an organization called Mission: USA. This group helps people involved in gangs, prision, and the street lifestyle find Christ and change their lives. They do this by standing up for these people who, due to various reasons, cannot stand up for themselves. They share Christ's love with them by helping them through life's struggles, helping them find jobs, helping them find shelter, and getting those involved in substance abuse into rehabilitation programs.

A handful of you have even helped out recently with Feed My Starving Children.  You packed up food that will go to people in other countries who are unable to help themselves. Through giving of yourselves, you have made someone else's life that much better. I thank God for all of you who have participated in this and I pray that more of you will join in this Friday as the church will again be participating.

All of these are great opportunities to help those who have no voice, to stand up for justice in an unjust world. Think of other ways you can help those around you in need. Maybe it's something as simple as inviting a neighbor who has lost their job over for a meal once or twice a week, or maybe its something as large as starting up a student organization at your school to collect money and supplies for people spreading God's Word in third world countries. Whatever you do, keep Christ at the center of your work. I challenge you to do just as the Proverb says:  Speak Out for Justice! Stand Up for the Poor and Destitute!

Christ did the same for us on the cross, lets all try to give of oursleves for others like Christ did for us.


I pray that God blesses you with a safe weekend. Bundle up! It's cold out there!