Life is Not Fair. But Wait!

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Life is Not Fair. But Wait!

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Life is not always fair. All of us have experienced injustice. These injustices can range widely from not being given appropriate credit or appreciation, to watching someone we think is undeserving getting promoted, to being swindled with no recourse, and more. Have these ever happened to you?

On a more global scale we often see people seemingly live an easy and prosperous life while others are impoverished and controlled by an oppressive government. Injustice abounds in the human experience.

Why is this? Why does God allow it? When we face injustice, what can we do?

Let's first consider the tension we may feel when we see injustice.

In Psalm 73 we read frustration that we likely experience today when we see abounding injustice:

"But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped. For I was envious of the boastful, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked (Psalms 73:2-3).

The ancient writer continues, noting that the wicked seem to getting away with evil and not experience any bad consequences for their actions. Can you relate to this? They even mock God:

"For there are no pangs in their death...They are not in trouble as other men, nor are they plagued like other men. Therefore pride serves as their necklace; violence covers them like a garment. Their eyes bulge with abundance; they have more than heart could wish. They scoff and speak wickedly concerning oppression; they speak loftily. They set their mouth against the heavens" (Psalm 73:4-9).

These oppressors think they're secure. Dripping with sarcasm, they foolishly state:

"How does God know? And is there knowledge in the Most High?" (Psalm 73:11).

And initially our reaction to injustice may be just like this:

"Behold, these are the ungodly, who are always at ease; they increase in riches. Surely I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocence. For all day long I have been plagued and chastened every morning" (Psalm 73:12-14).

After painting a picture of this common frustration, the same Psalm produces understanding and emotional relief. God will take care of business! We further read:

"When I thought how to understand this, it was too painful for me—until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I understood their end. Surely You set them in slippery places; You cast them down to destruction. Oh, how they are brought to desolation, as in a moment!" (Psalm 73:16-19).

Once we see how God knew all along, we understand how limited a view we might have had. We learn to trust God! Continuing, the Psalmist writes:

"Thus my heart was grieved, and I was vexed in my mind. I was so foolish and ignorant...Nevertheless I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand. You will guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory...For indeed, those who are far from You shall perish; but it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all Your works" (Psalm 73:21-28 emphasis added throughout).

Have you ever considered that the entire Bible represents a story of tension between the haves and have-nots and the injustice that ensues? The Bible also confidently tells us of redemption, restoration and justice prevailing.

One life maxim that I have personally seen is simply this: Good always wins over evil in the long run. God may use trials to teach us patience, but the works of the ungodly do come to an end. And in the long run the return of Jesus Christ will bring ultimate justice.

I invite you to consider the powerful words of Isaiah 9:7, where we read of Christ's coming rule:

"Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever."

This coming restoration of justice represents a major theme of the Bible, and the United Church of God offers much insightful material on the topic. Rather than offer a specific study aid, I recommend that you go to our website (www.ucg.org) and type "justice" in the search box. There will you find a spiritual treasure chest filled with powerful advice and encouraging words!

 

P.S.  Do you have a story about how God set right an injustice in your life? Write to me about it at victor_kubik@ucg.org.

 

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