I am sure that every one of us can think of some way in which we were born disadvantaged… whether physically, intellectually, economically, socially, or some other way… things that we had no control over. But I am just as certain that we also know that each of us was born with many advantages that were not of our own doing. Not one of us got to choose what race or nation or family or economic status or religion to be born into. Whether you call it blessed… call it privileged… or call it divine destiny… the simple truth is that it wasn’t really ‘fair’ (by the world’s definition).
“For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? Now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?” [1 Corinthians 4:7 KJV] We are all different. God did that. Some have been given more… some less. Whatever we have is what we’ve been GIVEN… by God. If you’ve been given a lot… don’t glory. If only a little… don’t be envious and resentful. Either way… be faithful!
God’s sense of ‘fairness’ isn’t the same as the world’s measure. If God gives one person 10 pounds, and another 5, and another 1… He is NOT unfair. (See Luke 19:12-26 & Matthew 25:14-30) The guy given ten made ten more. Did the Lord reprimand the one given five, because he didn’t gain ten also? Of course not. But still, the guy given only one pound had no excuse for not making a profit. The Lord judged them according to their faithfulness, not their numbers.
In Luke 12:48, it says, “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required:”
What do you have that you didn’t RECEIVE? Physical strength? Intelligence? Sales ability? Singing voice? Leadership skills? Sharp memory? Attractive looks? It was all GIVEN to you by God. Be faithful!
What if everyone else seems to have ten times as much of all those things as you have? Doesn’t matter. BE FAITHFUL in the little you have been given… your one pound. Whatever abundance someone else has been given, in no way limits you, in your ability to be faithful. Focusing on your perceived disadvantages will only stir up covetousness; weigh you down with bitterness and resentment; and stop you from fulfilling all that God has called you to be and do.
When God’s requirement is simply to be FAITHFUL, NO ONE is disadvantaged! God is working in every one of us… both to will and DO. Whatever He calls you to do, He will provide everything you need to DO it!
“…His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue.” [2 Peter 1:3 KJV] Wow! ALL THINGS!
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