THE REQUIREMENT

 

THE REQUIREMENT

 

By Daniel R. Ruhweza UCLF President-Emeritus

 

I was recently invited to speak to a small group of Ugandans about the role of Justice and the rule of the law in national transformation. As we explored the word of God regarding this subject, one of the attendees asked – Where are the Christian lawyers? Do they even exist? What are they doing to resolve these issues?

 

In response to these questions, we made reference to Micah 6: 8 as the point of review. That Scripture states ‘He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and love mercy and to walk humbly before your God? (Micah 6: 8).  I have always felt that this was a befitting Scripture for Christian lawyers and especially their social justice arms which are involved in providing free legal services. However, it also heavily dawned on me that this requirement is not for only Christian lawyers, but for all and sundry (all people). The Scripture doesn’t indicate that the instruction is only for lawyers but for ‘all of man’. The call is to all of us – regardless of our position, rank, nationality and employment (and even height).

 

We are all (regardless of colour ad creed), the subject of the command that makes reference to ‘O Man’ and therefore, we are all required to do

a)      … Justice which about ensuring fair treatment of all, not just in the courtrooms but also in the other aspects of society – be it economics, land and environmental justice, opportunities for study, etc.  All employees and employers – regardless of whether they are practitioners of the law or not – are required to promote justice;

b)      … and love mercy (kindness/compassion) once again a call – not only for lawyers pleading in mitigation for their clients who have been convicted of crime, but also for the less fortunate, the injured, the destitute and even for the depressed –

c)      … walk humbly – this is a requirement for all of us once again. To desist from being like Nebuchadnezzar who thought himself mighty and powerful, only to be reduced into the status of an animal until he recognised that only GOD was Supreme (Daniel 4: 25- 35) or the rich fool whose life was required of him for he didn’t consider God in all his plans (Luke 12:20)

 

May we not forget that regardless of whether our legal ‘‘practice’’ is in the halls of justice or not, wherever we are placed, the requirement in Micah 6: 8 is upon the Christian lawyer the bastion/citadel of hope. Nonetheless, this call is also for all the children of GOD who hearken unto his call (including each and very Christian who answers to the name of the Lord)

 

Prayer: Almighty God, may we never at one moment forget that you call us all – regardless of colour and creed – to do justice, and love mercy and to walk humbly before your God. Guide us on what we ought to do and how we ought to do it. Show us where we have ignored to do as commanded and give us the wisdom and tenacity never to depart from your ways

 

Action point/ Discussion: What is the Lord saying to you and what are you going to do about it?