The Prophet Amos talks about corruption. He is highly critical of those who ‘trample on the needy’ and those who throw ‘integrity to the ground.’ He talks of a ‘famine not of bread, a drought not of water, but of hearing the word of God’. It is very much a treatise on justice and the need to support (not take advantage of) those who are struggling.

Transpose this into today and we need to ask the question – who are the needy? Whilst there are many who are poor and lacking the basics, the Scripture is more about taking advantage of those less comfortable than ourselves. So without diminishing or ignoring the plight of the poor (which is real) I wish to focus on those that are still within our socio-economic sphere.

In a fairly competitive secular society to what extent do we take advantage of whatever power circumstance bestows on us? There has been many a ‘moral man’ who has used situations to their own advantage, whether to pursue power or riches or fame. Once you have the ‘foot-up’ what do you do with it? Many give back, but we need to ensure that we build our character – not our resume.

Perhaps there is a little corruption in all of us?

In the words of Amos there is still hope of restoration. We need to ‘make good the gaps’ in our own character before we can ‘restore the ruins’ of humanity. It reminds me of the message from the Gospel to take the plank ‘out of mine own eye’ before trying to remove my brothers.

However, in the words of a song:

Lights will guide you home

and ignite your bones

and I will try to fix you.

Coldplay

Firstly, we need to be open to the light. You can’t follow it if you don’t see it, or believe in the possibility of its existence. Once the realm of possibility touches your reason you need to look for the light, and evaluate which to follow, so that you are heading home. And how heart-filling is home?!

To ignite my bones – sadly my first thought was joint ache but I’m sure we can go beyond that to the urge to do good. When our bones are ignited we are ready and aching to make a positive difference; to pursue something with fervour that tomorrow may be better than today. To be restless in the pursuit of justice (unlike the community that Amos spoke to).

We need to commit to self-improvement on a deeper level. Not about looking better, running faster, achieving a higher position, but about being kinder, more consistent and more honest.

Be alone more frequently, where it is just you and God. If we surround ourselves with continuous noise how can we hope to hear that still quiet voice calling us home?