Thanks to all who sent me well-wishes about my 42nd anniversary. They were much appreciated. I took an extra day to do some catch-up on a lot of things.
Now…back to my post for today.
One of the hardest things many have to deal with is what I will consider “the unfairness of life.” Seriously, how many times have you heard (or said yourself), “That is unfair.”
“I work my tail off and I have nothing to show for it. Meanwhile, he/she loafs or lives off the dole (or entitlement) and they have more.”
“I just don’t understand. I serve God and give Him all I can, try to be committed to Him, try to spend time with Him, and look! Nothing! I’m worse off now than before.”
“I work hard, practice hard, never miss a team meeting, and I still sit the bench. How come I can’t play better?”
There are more. You know that. It is the old “life isn’t treating me fair routine” so many of us get caught up in. Our standard reply is “Life isn’t fair. Deal with it” (or something similar).
There are many Christ-followers who EXPECT better treatment simply because they are a Christ-follower. Frankly, life does not support the teaching that “our best life is now.” The whole cockeyed philosophy is from the pit of hell and smells like smoke. It has deluded and misled a lot of people down a path of ruin and doubt, simply because the idea of “good and ease” is not found in the Bible. And yet, because of a certain smiley guy in Texas (and others like him), hundreds of thousands of people have been deluded and ultimately begin to think God is unfair.
On the contrary, God has not promised us a good life here. He has not promised us life will be fair. To quote Randy: “God never promised anyone-not His followers, not His sympathizers- that life on planet earth would be fair or just.” (p.48) What we have been promised is His presence in the midst of all the unfairness and injustice that we face. What do you think?
This is one of my semi-regular posts from this book:
For more on this (and unbeknownst to me) Kari wrote this blog.
Don’t think I’ve ever been first to respond on your site… Anyway, thanks for the mention. Personally, I’m so thankful that I don’t get what I deserve. If I did, I would be forever condemned. Jesus came and died for my sins, so I don’t have to get what I deserve. Forever grateful!
You are first and it is the first time I believe! 🙂 I’m glad to mention your post kari. It says it so much better than mine. And I too am glad I don’t get what I deserve.
A lot (and I mean A WHOLE LOT) of pastors have deluded and misled people. I think you said you spent several years going down a path of selling religion in what now you think was wrong minded. I think it is all wrong minded and some is just worse than others.
Osteen is a very inspirational and motivational speaker. I think if he left the whole God thing out he would make even more sense.
I think if we just grow up and deal with life as it comes that is about all we can do. I prefer to do it without imagining any invisible friends in the sky coming along for the ride. I am never disappointed by God or think he is unfair. Never crossed my mind.
You are right Jeff. A WHOLE LOT of pastors have deluded and misled people. i wish I could exclude myself in that but I can’t. i do think a lot of the blame game goes to immaturity in what we expect.
In truth I tend to fall into the line of thinking that there should be something different, something better about my life now that I am a Christian than the period where I was not. Why do I hurt so much, so badly, so consistently? Shouldn’t God’s presence in my life somehow make a quantifiable difference in my feelings of peace and purpose and hope? It is an ongoing struggle for me in my low times.
There is nothing wrong with asking why you hurt so much, so badly, so consistently. It is not unusual to think like that, especially when it is a low time. But just know His presence is there. Sounds hollow as i write that but I do believe it.
It’s hard to misinterpret Christ’s words, “In this world you will have trouble.” And the second part of that verse is the whole point, “But take Heart for I have overcome the world.”
We’re to lean on Him, not His provision. Worshipping the provision instead of the Provider is simply idolatry. I’m with you, preacher.
One of the lessons Davy in my novels learns from the wise owl, Reverend, is the very one you talk about here, Bill. Life isn’t fair, but the Lord will be there for us through it all.
Blessings!
Via email: Satan’s time is very limited, prior to the coming of our Lord. And he’s certainly making good use of it !
Never in my life have I seen such hate among humans, CHRISTIANS being beheaded and black against white, gays, transvestites ( which, BTW are being praised for coming out of the closet) , TV has become terrible…vampires, murders, gay shows, and Bruce Jenners new show on the horizon, and just saw wheee they are producing a new TV show LUCIFER which is suppose to make Satan look like a good guy ??? and have you watched the ‘cartoons’ lately? Insane.
Our president has turned his back on Israel….and ISIS terrifies me…they are here in hiding, I have no doubt.
We are at Gods mercy, and better get on our knees and repent and ask forgiveness.
Get our lives right with the Lord….”even so Lord, come quickly”
Didn’t mean to depress you with my rambling on, but, don’t you feel it in your bones that His coming is very near ?
In His hands
Pam
I don’t think you would be much fun at a cocktail party. I think you need to watch less TV. He won’t be coming soon or ever in my opinion.
I thought I replied. Not sure where it went
life does not support the teaching that “our best life is now.” thats a lie straight out of the pits of hell. Good post brother and yes…I feel it in my bones, makes me want to tell someone about Jesus, to spend my remaining days as He did, seeking the lost. Anytime we think life here is for us we have bought into that lie…life is about Him. Keep preaching brother,
I kind of agree with one point Jeff makes. If Olsteen would drop God, he would make more sense because what he says doesn’t jive with the Bible. Motivation is fine. Like Zig Ziglar recommends, we should have it daily. But if we are going to give motivational talks within Christianity, it ought to actually be based on the Bible.
Totally agree Larry