An “unfair” reminder from Paul

It is easy to forget where we came from before receiving Jesus as Lord and Savior. It’s easy to get upset with the Lord when we see those who reject Him given blessings and opportunities we would like to have. But what if those blessings and opportunities are for the purpose of drawing others closer to Him? Paul reminds us that if we are honest with ourselves, before our redemption, we were no better:

Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God (1 Corinthians 6:9-11).

Paul’s “unfair” reminder is justified

That one part of the passage really sticks out to me – and such were some of you… There are times it is easy to forget the only thing that stands between who we were and who the lost are is the blood of Christ. Even in my own life, I have often looked more critically of the lost than of my own faults and shortcomings. But Paul’s reminder is not unfair nor unjust. It is true – I was once a lost and hell-bound sinner. I enjoyed the pleasures of the flesh and never thought twice about it. And at times, I even received divine protection and favor. Instead of praising and glorifying God for it, I chalked it up to luck or my own craftiness.

Paul continues the much-needed reminder: And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.  But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) (Ephesians 2:1-5).

Paul’s reminder put into perspective: Who’s unfair?

As I continued my Bible study, the Holy Spirit really began working on my heart. I was so focused on what I believed I deserved that I couldn’t see the reason people I know who do not know the Lord were receiving such blessings. While I didn’t grow bitter, I did begin to find myself often telling God, “what’s wrong with me?” or “where’s my blessing, Lord?” But the more I studied, the more I began to understand. From 1988 to 2006, the Lord had given me many blessings, and had even delivered me out of danger – all while I was lost. And all simply because of His grace and mercy shown towards me!

It’s easy to claim the Lord is being unfair or question His intentions. For me, it was when I would see others, who I knew were not Christians, receive blessings and goodness from Him. I also didn’t consider my own unworthiness of God’s blessings, both before I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior and after. It wasn’t the Lord who was being unfair. It was me! 

I also had to come to the realization that when we see someone we think is unworthy to receive such a blessing from God, I needed to check the condition of my own heart.

Remembering to pray

This is the hard part – but already the difference it has made in my own life! Instead of crying out to the Lord when we see what we think is “unfair,” take it to the Lord in prayer. Instead of asking “why them?” we should pray “Lord, let this blessing open their eyes to you.” It is up to us to rejoice when we see God’s provision in our lives and in the lives of others. Even if some of the others are people who do not know Jesus as their personal Savior.