The hit movie Diary of a Wimpy Kid, based on a popular book series by the same name, tells the story of Greg Heffley, a boy who struggles with the socially challenging and often awkward world of middle school. Greg strives to shed his "wimpy" identity and grow in strength, popularity, and social status; but in so doing, he makes a lot of questionable moral decisions. Next week we'll look at ways that we can grow stronger as Christians by embracing virtues such as humility and accepting responsibility (virtues that would be beneficial to Greg Heffley). Key Scriptures: Luke 18:9-14; John 4:7-30; Acts 4:34–5:11. Last month FOX News personality Glenn Beck had unkind words for churches that emphasize social justice. In the weeks since Beck's comments, many justice-oriented church leaders have come forth to defend social justice and its place in Christian tradition. Social justice isn't a new idea; but all this talk about how and whether Christians should use the phrase gives us an opportunity to explore its meaning. What, exactly, is social justice? What is the relationship between justice and righteousness? And why does social justice matter to the church?
