There has been a lot of talk on the news lately about the possible changes to the prostitution laws in Canada. Recently, on Netflix, a documentary became available which addresses this very issue. In the film the director interviews the main voices on both sides of the issue here in Canada. One interview was of a former sex trade worker who was arguing that the laws which criminalize activities related to prostitution should be abolished. When asked about whether prostitution could ever be stopped, this was her answer:
“The two main forces behind prostitution are money, and power. So if you want to stop prostitution you’re going to have to stand up to money and power”. Then she smiled, and said “good luck with that.”
Is she right? Here is what we do know. The sex trade industry, both legal and illegal, brings in billions of dollars of profit every single year. We also know that this industry is controlled by some of the wealthiest and most powerful people in the world. They are the kind of people who feel that their amassed wealth and influence make them completely unstoppable. So, I ask again, is she right? Is there any point in even trying to stop prostitution? Should we just throw up our hands, and surrender the lives of hundreds of thousands of vulnerable people to the hands those who would exploit them simply because they have money and power. She would allow our definition of right and wrong be determined by how easy or difficult it is to make a stand?
If you are reading this blog and you do not know about the power of Jesus Christ or His kingdom than you might answer yes to the previous questions. But as a Christ follower I can emphatically answer each one with a resounding no. We are not without hope, and we have not been left powerless against the strength of an evil system which preys on the weak and is emboldened by the apathetic. I know of two things which can overcome the seemingly unstoppable force of money, and power. Those two things are love, and mercy.
For the past 6 years I have worked with many young men and women who have found themselves trapped in prostitution. Their stories are tragic and seem to be unchangeable. But I have also seen the impact of Love and mercy on these precious lives.
Love and mercy, as God demonstrated to us, are truly unstoppable. What do I mean when I use the word love? I mean an unconditional love. I mean a love that will not allow us to stop reaching out to and advocating for the victims of prostitution. Don’t tell us that it’s not worth the effort to try and change the laws. Don’t tell us it’s not worth the effort to develop recovery programs and safe houses for those trying to escape prostitution. Don’t tell us it costs too much money and that the funds will never be available. Why? Because Gods love compels us and it never runs out or weakens with time or trials. Because we love the people who we are fighting for and believe that nothing can stop what God wants to reveal to them through our efforts.
Love and Mercy. Those who control and profit from prostitution use shame as their weapon against fragile and hurting people. They make them feel like they are unlovable and worthless so that they can control them. They make people feel like no can ever forgive them for what they have done and that they can never be accepted back into “normal” society. But as Christians we understand that mercy overcomes shame. We will not judge those who have been exploited and used. They don’t need to earn our respect or try and convince us of their worth. We know that none of us is better than anyone else. We know that mercy is never wasted, and we will lavish it abundantly on all and any who feel that they can never know peace.
Money and power are imaginary Gods with hollow threats and empty promises. They can never hold up against Love, and mercy. Those who control prostitution are counting on the fear, apathy, and cynicism that are so often displayed by many. But as the church we can say “You will get no such concessions from us.” We believe in the same God who led Moses into a seemingly all powerful empire and gave him the boldness to say to Pharaoh “Let my people go!” Those were not idle words intended to intimidate. They were the promise of a loving and merciful God. A promise that money and power were not all that they appeared to be.
Justice Matters 