Monday July 9, 2012

A Focus on Fairness

Life is not fair, but God is always faithful

Read Proverbs 1:1-9                Life is not fair, but God is always faithful

During the past 135 years of Major League Baseball, only 20 pitchers have thrown a perfect game. On June 2, 2010, Armando Galarraga of the Detroit Tigers would have been number 21 but an umpire’s mistake denied him what every pitcher dreams of.  The video replay showed the truth.  Even though the umpire later acknowledged his error and apologized to Galarraga, the call made on the field could not be changed.

 

Through it all, Galarraga remained calm, and never criticized him.  Armando’s refusal to retaliate amazed fans, players and sportwriters alike.

 

If we insist on fair treatment for ourselves, we can become angry and frustrated.  But when we embrace the Bible’s wisdom, we will seek the welfare of others.  Proverbs call us “to perceive the understanding, to receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, judgment, and equity (Proverbs 1:2-3).  Oswald Chambers said of our personal dealings with others, “Never look for justice, but never cease to give it; and never allow anything you meet with to sour your relationship  to men through Jesus Christ.”

 

When we experience unfairness, it is our privilege and responsibility as followers of Christ to respond with honesty and integrity, doing what is right, just and fair.

 

How others handle justice

May not be up to me;

But when I react to others,

I must show integrity.  Branon

 

Prayer:

¥ Pray for the people in your congregation who teach regularly. Pray that the Word of God would be boldly spoken out and clearly taught. Pray that non believers would hear the Word, repent and believe in Christ for salvation.

¥ Pray that God would raise our giving to generous levels so that we can meet our costs and obligations and have spare to reach out to the needy, the sick and helpless. Pray that God would write generosity on our hearts.