We must realize that if we are to enjoy a relationship built on God’s grace then we must be willing to let that grace, to let God’s Spirit shape our lives. Therefore in Amos 5:14 when the call is repeated, it is not a call to seek God but to seek good: Seek good, not evil, that you may live.
Our relationship with God is meant to shape us in the same way that sons are shaped by their fathers, or a husband by his wife—like the shows we watch shape our values, fears, and ideals. God wants to shape his people—our worship should be changing us. For Israel the key litmus test would be their behaviour in the law courts—if they really sought the Lord then it would immediately be evident in the way that they administer justice. Instead of turning aside the needy in the gate, they would ensure that the rich are punished for their crimes and politicians are held to account.
Applied to us today, it is not that clear what exactly establishing justice in the gate will mean. At a very basic level, all Christians are encouraged to seek good and do what we can to promote justice. In our personal lives we must act with integrity, paying a fair wage to those who work for us, looking out for the poor. Training to serve as a lawyer or a police officer would also be a good way of making a positive impact on our justice system.
Within our corporate church life, the idea of establishing justice is evident in Paul’s letter to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 6:1–20). He rebukes Christians for going to the law courts in order to resolve disputes. Paul recognizes that life in a church is one where we will sin and hurt each other, but we must resolve those problems as far as possible without the need of outside intervention. God’s church must be a place where God’s justice is seen.
10 They hate him who reproves in the gate, and they abhor him who speaks the truth.