A New World of Justice, Fairness and Peace, for Labor Day Going Forward

Rampant Poverty, Worker’s Rights and Social Justice This Labor Day in America

by Rev. Paul J. Bern

“The worker is worth his/her wages” (Luke 10, verse 7)

People everywhere — and I mean globally — are literally starving for a pay raise. Today’s cost of living, with prices for rent, food, medical care and gas for our cars and trucks becoming less affordable each day — not just in America but globally — already has within it the seeds of revolution. I am convinced that people are most definitely ready to rise up, if only I could get you all to turn off your stupid televisions and gaming consoles! This isn’t about religion, creed or ideology, this is about justice and equality, and the Bible has plenty to say about both. So, for those of you who may think the Bible is some antiquated rule book that has lost its relevance, allow me to set the record straight.

Some Bible Verses for the Backdrop to This Week’s Message

In Psalm 106 verse 3, it says, “Blessed are they who maintain justice, who constantly do what is right.” In Proverbs 29 verse 4, it says, “By justice a king gives a country stability, but one who is greedy for bribes tears it down.” Come to think of it, I’m going to send that Bible verse to every member of Congress in Washington, DC.

The prophet Isaiah lamented the lack of justice in his own time — so this problem is not new — when he wrote, “So justice is driven back, and righteousness stands at a distance; truth has stumbled in the streets, and honesty cannot enter. Truth is nowhere to be found, and whoever shuns evil becomes prey. The Lord looked and was displeased that there was no justice.”

Here’s one more sample of the mind of Almighty God: “And the word of the Lord came again to Zechariah: ‘This is what the Lord Almighty says: Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor. In your hearts, do not think evil of each other’.” The ugly truth we all must face is this — if our net take-home pay won’t even cover the most basic of living expenses, we are economic slaves. Rather than elaborate here, allow me to…