Life Is Not Fair
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23, NIV)
Life is not fair! We have all heard that, experienced it and come to the conclusion that it is a true statement. Nowhere in the Bible will you find the words: life is fair. I suspect that in our search for some level of fairness we have discovered that, quite possibly, unfairness is directly proportionate to down-right selfishness and greed.
While teaching 2nd grade in FL, we were talking about equal parts (fractions) and we started with a whole pizza. A little boy, my eager assistant, looked at that pizza with hungry eyes. I asked him. “What can you do to make sure you get the same amount as me?” He politely but firmly told me, “I’m not sharing. You might want to go get your own pizza.” After an extended period of time, he told me that it would not be fair to take it away from him. He actually held the class hostage and would not give up that pizza and I had to call the principal.
Obviously, these remarks came out of hunger, entitlement and an unclear definition of fair. He did not win (and I never asked him to be my assistant again). I had more pizzas in the hall for the rest of the kids to share. There were other students who were able to help me divide the round pizza into equal parts and everyone except Jackson was happy! I have never forgotten this boy and often wonder where he is and how he is doing today.
When life is totally unfair, what do we do? Why does God heal some and not all? Why does He take a young child? Why does He continue to bring rain to already flooded areas? Why does He give the promotion to a less capable person? These are all questions that are running through our overly-sensitive minds. Is there an answer to be found?
Personally, when I find myself under the influence of “WHY” questions, I immediately realize that I am not content with what I have. Yes, there certainly are moments of grief, disappointment and frustration but then I am reminded of God’s faithfulness. I have to let go of my own selfishness and let Him do His God thing.
Father, teach me to be content in this moment. Help me to not ask “why” so much but to recognize you as the sovereign God who is in control. AMEN.