Taking It to Work:
Is God fair?
I just watched a movie on the life of Princess Diana. It gave me a surprising glimpse into the life of royalty. Although, not really what the movie was about, one of the realities that hit me is the incredible chasm that can exist between two infants born on the same day, one as royalty, and one in poverty. One born to parents who couldn’t wait to hold their new child, and one born or not born, to those who dreaded it. It’s a hard thing to think about, that our God allows such inequity.
We struggle with that same concept, as adults, and even as children. “That’s not fair!” has to be one of the simplest, truest, and most widely used accusations against a world and an existence that is bathed inequality.
A new and powerful movie called Sound of Freedom, starring Jim Caviezel, highlights the travesty of of the rarely spoken about world of child sex trafficking. A horrible injustice that two million children per year worldwide, suffer through. Unbelievably unfair, and we all hate it, but apparently, it has to be part of the plan.
So let’s talk about a milder, but sometimes very real, unfair workplace.
The boss who cheated his way to the top. The coworker that got your credit, and the promotion. The difficult assignment you were assigned to, when the new girl got the high-profile easy assignment, by that same boss that likes her.
So often, we are faced, or see others faced with inequity. As Christians, how do we handle that?
Number one, Biblically, I think we are called to accept much of it. Jesus was born into an unfair world; Moses into another unfair mess. Joseph was treated unfairly by his brothers. Millions of Israelites slaved under the whip of Egypt. And for the centuries since, Jews and Christians to this very hour are dealing with the inequity and unfairness that, if you ever read the “Voice of the Martyrs” magazine, is still horribly prevalent. Even the Lord Himself died at the command of an unfair mob after an unfair trial.
Secondly, we are called not to complain or covet, but to be content and work hard at being the best reflection of Christ wherever we may find ourselves.
And thirdly, to help us in doing the first two well, we are to remember that our Lord can be trusted. He knows the world’s atrocities, and he knows where you are and what you’re dealing with. He is working all things together for good for those that love Him and are called to His purpose (Rom 8:28). That’s you, I hope.
God never claimed to be fair, but He is just, longsuffering, and good. We are called to be the same, in fair and unfair circumstances alike, as His Word works in us, today.
1 Pet 2:20-21 (ESV) – . . . but if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.
Phil 4:11 (ESV) – Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.
Isaiah 26:4 (ESV) – Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock.
Rom 8:28 (ESV) – And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
Listening to the Holy Spirit (Rhema):
Each is given what has been planned. For the better end, it is this way – some much, and some little, according to My wisdom, knowing beforehand the choices of all mankind. Some deserving little, are given great. Some great, but of humble abode, will they live and reign. Above the understanding of men are My ways. Envy of another’s path is not for My disciples. I give to each as the Father wills. Contentment in great and less is the way of the Godly. It is good to work to your calling with selfishness crucified with the flesh, and glory given to He who strengthens, sends and apportions. Be not one that covets, being thankful for what is given, and for life now and eternal. The great of what is to come dwarfs now the most contented soul to gnashing. Lift your sight to My pleasure. Seek to please Me with what you have been given. Run not to win against man, but to receive the crown of righteousness, giving thanks for all days and all that you have been granted. My hand measures among each for a greater end, but also your thanksgiving, and the fruit borne of the fruit in which you have been given.
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