The Christian's position in the midst of the 'fees must fall movement' and other protests-Part 1

Disclaimer:I am still to study on how we should deal with social injustices,whether we should protest and join trade unions as Christians.So this is something I still need to study extensively.Yet God has settled some of the questions I had.

NOTE:The word of God has counsel for EVERYTHING.We should consult it .

In light of the 'fees must fall movement' and many other protests that happen in South Africa,the cry is genuine.Education should be made accessible to everyone,since it is a skill most needful for survival (debatable;but I will not discuss it now ).All these claims are just and Christianity calls us to uphold justice (Isaiah 58).When you read in the Old Testament we see God advocating for the rights of the orphan,poor,widow and He goes on to command us to do so too.God,even goes on to counsel us to not oppress foreigners living in our land (Deuteronomy).He goes on to say,interest should not be added if you borrow someone money.So,clearly,God is all for justice.In fact,He is just (Deuteronomy 32:4)

But it's also important to note:

• Christianity does not operate on carnal nature:violence,anger,disrespecting authorities (Galations 5:19-21;Romans 13:1-3).Now,people often mistake respecting those we are under as God ordaining slavery.But God does not uphold slavery. In fact, He hates slavery so much that He created us as free moral agents-free to choose.Yet God is also a God of order (1 Corinthians 14:34) and for this reason authority has been put in place.

• Christ is our example (1 John 2:6).Christ also suffered like us South Africans-not on the issue of race;but because He was righteous such that he was hated.Hated for nothing,like blacks were hated during apartheid and by racists.Furthermore,Christ was abused,beaten,to the point of death (Isaiah 53).

• What did Jesus do in all of this?Philippians 2:8-He kept quiet and He prayed.He even prayed for His enemies,saying,"forgive them Father,for they know not what they do" .
•  In John 18,we find Jesus in a crisis.He is about to be put to death-what He came for-to die for a sinful world.But His disciples,Peter specifically, takes a sword and hurts one who wanted to take Christ.To a certain degree,what Peter does seems just-He is saving his friend.Yet he causes violence.

Yet for the Christian,violence is not an option. 

^" Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence."-John 18:36

Another thing to consider,when we become Christians we are created anew (2 Corinthians 5:17),meaning that we no longer think like we used to.Our minds are transformed (Romans 12:2;Ephesians 4:23).In fact,we are said to have the mind of Christ (2 Corinthians 2:16).Philippians 2:5-8 goes on to tell us the Spirit Christ possesses (mind of Christ) and in fact Heaven is ruled by it-meekness.We're told the meek will inherit heaven.This is how we should react,with meekness.A very hard attitude to possess YET  a gift from e God,through the working of the Holy Spirit.

Christianity does not call us to keep quiet and be indifferent about social justice;neither does it call us to violence.

We are also counselled to intercede:I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
² For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
³ For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;-1 Timothy 2:1-3

Something to not forget:
¹⁰ Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
¹¹ Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
¹² For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.-Ephesians 6:10-12