When Life Is Unfair

April 2024

   Ever feel that life is not fair?  You work hard at something, doing the right things by being honest and trustworthy and you give it the best effort you can, but ends up to not be good enough.  Or worse, someone who cut corners and was not being honest in all their dealings, gets the job, the prize or the recognition.  

   That someone should not have received what you should have.  That is unfair.  How does that make you feel?  You work your hardest and remain faithful to the Lord. But you figuratively get kicked in the face.  You want to say to God, “It makes me angry as I have faithfully served you and sacrificially living my life, so You would be honored.”  

   Have you ever felt that way?  We don’t want to be jealous or envious, but it hurts when someone gets what we worked so hard for.  Pastors and ministry leaders have to deal with such feelings when someone leaves their church or group to go somewhere else when it seems more appealing or exciting over there.    

   Jesus was beginning His ministry to include baptizing when an argument began between some of John the Baptist’s disciples and certain Jews about Jesus’ ministry.  “Hey, we hear that people are flocking to check out the new guy and He is drawing great numbers.  You got this guy started in ministry and now He is taking your people!  Doesn’t that bother you?”  (John 3:22-26).

   John’s reply is classic.  “My responsibilities lie in preparing the way for Jesus.  I am not the bridegroom nor the bride.  I got invited to the wedding, I am a guest.  With Jesus here, I am overjoyed!  I know what my role has been, so now Jesus is the focus and I need to and am fading into the background.  It is that simple and I am completely content with that.” (John 3:27-30).   In other words, “Jesus must increase and I must decrease.”

   “Jesus came from the Father as He is the Messiah.  His Words are truth and He is eternal life.  I am not.  Heed His Words so you believe in Him and receive that life.”  (John 3:31-32).

   Okay.  Here is the bottom line.  God is in control and does not need anyone of us to build His Kingdom.  It is simply a privilege to be a part of what He is doing.  As you discover your uniqueness in how you were created and the opportunities God presents to you to serve and worship Him, carry them out, and one, be utterly joyful that you are part of His work and second, the results are completely up to Him, in His timing and process.  Nothing more, nothing less.

   Life is unfair.  It rains both on people who follow Jesus and those who curse Jesus.  People who do not have the same ethics and morals as a Christian should, will get the prize or the money intended for our hard work.
 
   Jesus did nothing wrong.  He did not deserve to be tortured and hung a tree, but He was (1 Peter 2:19-24).  When we deal with and endure suffering for doing the right thing, God says that is commendable.  Jesus set the example and people like John the Baptist (and us too, if we so choose) follow that example.  

   People need to see Jesus, not anyone of us.  He is salvation and eternal life.  I do not carry a candle to who He is.  Sweep away pride and any power you think you have.  We are His workmanship, made for His glory.  Keep that attitude and it will be amazing how God will work in and through you.  

   We would have a lot less jealousy and fighting between Christians if we would follow John’s example he set when he responded to the Jews.  It is easy to get hurt.  It takes courage and humility to stay in the place and role God presents to us.  

   If I can’t rejoice when something good happens to another person, especially another Christian or can’t rejoice when God uses another church or Christian to promote and develop HIS Kingdom, I have an attitude problem and it can be a root of bitterness that potentially will destroy my testimony for Him and also lose out on opportunity blessings God in His sovereignty, offers to His children!  So how will we respond when life is unfair?  

Email: WildMinistries@gmail.com