I had a heart-wrenching conversation with someone the other day.

It came about online, as many painful conversations do these days. A Christian company reached out to us to ask if we would represent their product, and we with great enthusiasm replied that we’d be honored, if they could assure us that their product was ethically and/or sustainably made.

They responded by mocking us and informing that we could never shop at Walmart.

Well, we already kinda knew that.

Friends, just because a company labels themselves as Christian, we must still approach them with discernment, seeking their heart for following Christ. People, organizations, and even churches can use the Jesus label to draw people in without actually caring for God’s heart or ministries. (Hence why 5 of the 7 churches in Revelation were given quite the reprimand, but I digress).

Here’s the truth of the matter: there is so much wrong in this world that one person cannot do all things perfectly at all times. We are quite aware that people (and organizations and ministries) often only have mind and heart space to tackle an issue or two deeply. We ourselves often have to concede that a purchase can’t be ethically and sustainably produced. It is rare indeed to find everything we need with both values in its production.

But what we simply MUST do as Christians is cheer each other on in our walks of faith. Right now God has impressed on our hearts here at Ruah Space the importance and wisdom of considering ethics and environment in our consumerism. That is difficult and challenging.

Others we know have a burning passion to end human trafficking and work tirelessly on that account. Others still are involved in prison ministry, working to right the justice system. Others still are compelled to teach Christians how to read Scripture well (a mission we see a desperate need for amongst God’s people!).

It only makes sense that God’s people would represent such a diverse way of ministering to the world. We are created to be a body, working together, in which each one of us plays a significant part in God’s kingdom work and, as a result, brings Heaven just a little closer to Earth.

Mocking each other because of our different missions, however, is decidedly cruel and non-Christian. 

By mocking someone for caring about justice and sustainability, they are undermining their very message of being a “Christian” clothing company. We are called as Christians to care about what God cares about. Period. 

Now this doesn’t mean that we can all make every issue our number one issue. Our hearts, time, and resources simply don’t allow it. This is why we are a body in Christ, so that together as a community we can represent that the church cares about all of thing things God cares about.

What was most painful for me wasn’t that our number one passions weren’t theirs. It was that they mocked us for how we try to live out our faith in Christ Jesus. By no means are we perfect. But we firmly believe that being a Christ follower is about more than labelling things as “Christian.” We believe that God cares deeply about ethics and social justice and the creation. Therefore, we as God’s followers, ought to care as well.

So, here at Ruah Space, we are committed to sharing our journey with you as we explore what it looks like to live life as a family in America who is committed to justice and creation care. We won’t get it all perfect, and we most certainly will welcome any ideas and suggestions you have for us as we go.  And if you are involved in God’s Kingdom work, please let us know what you are up to and how we can support you in your ministry as well. We embrace all who are being moved by the Spirit as belonging to the one Body of Christ.