Fairness is not a concern of the Grim Reaper.
It seems as though “fairness” is all the rage these days. And today’s Tiny Words. Big Life. blog is not proposing there’s something wrong with fairness. Quite the contrary… fairness is a worthy goal and it’s application should affect some of our actions – like shorter kids should be picked for the volleyball team – just like the tall kids. That’s fair, right?
In all seriousness and fairness (pardon the obvious reference), there’s one question about being fair that we should ask ourselves. Are we being fair for the benefit of the recipient or for our own benefit? While you scratch your head trying to answer that one, realize that both answers are a good reason. The Tiny Words. Big Life. goal is to do it with love and kindness rather than obligation.
And while we strive for fairness on earth, rest assured that fairness is not a ticket into Heaven or Hell.
Have you ever heard people say, “I’m a good person. Surely, I’m going to heaven.”
I wonder if these people expect God to let them into Heaven because He’s “fair” – kinda like picking the short kid on the volleyball team. Everybody gets a chance to play, right?
Uhh… I hate to be the bearer of eternal bad news but the Gospel doesn’t work that way. While you can debate whether or not God is “fair” – none can be had when discussing whether or not God is “just”. He created the game (of life) and He sets the rules. And, you can’t say you haven’t read them. It’s called the Bible.
The Gospel does not say that “good people” are going to heaven. The Gospel says that “saved” people are going to heaven.
The Evil One would love for you to think that all you have to do to get into Heaven is to be a “good person”, i.e. Let a few cars go in front of you in the parking lot at Walmart… send someone a birthday card on their birthday… maybe, cook a meal for someone who is sick… Or, pick the short kid.
While these things might make you a “good” or “fair” person, they’ll do nothing to save you soul.
Today’s Tiny Words. Big Life. Bible verses are from Jeremiah in the Old Testament. It seems that God’s chosen people have been wicked and have turned from Him. They had been warned. Is it “fair” or “just” for the Lord to destroy them? By the world’s standards, probably not. By God’s promise and Holy standards, absolutely.
The Tiny Words. Big Life. takeaway is this: Don’t rely on a worldly definition of a spiritual concept. Being “fair” or “good” will get you nothing but a tip of the cap or a wave of a hand. The price of admission into Heaven has already been paid. Jesus died for you and for me.
I’d say that’s more than fair.
Jeremiah 4:6-8
Raise the signal to go to Zion! Flee for safety without delay! For I am bringing disaster from the north, even terrible destruction. A lion has come out of his lair; a destroyer of nations has set out. He has left his place to lay waste your land. Your towns will lie in ruins without inhabitant. So put on sackcloth, lament and wail, for the fierce anger of the Lord has not turned away from us.