“Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will reward each one of us for the good we do, whether we are slaves or free.” Ephesians 6:7-8 NLT
I must admit, at times I can have strong personal opinions on what is deemed as fair or unfair. And if I’m not careful, it can turn into a prideful and self-righteous attitude that is condescending toward others. The truth is we can all evaluate fairness in different ways. In two extreme examples, I read that in five states, children may now sue their parents for allowing them to be born. In another state, a doctor could be sued for bungling a murder. It shows the kind of society we live in when we take matters into our own hands or when we emphasize the importance of fairness over God’s justice, mercy and grace.
Closer to home, we can compare the effort or involvement of our jobs with the compensation we receive and conclude it as unequitable. Thankfully Paul reminds us that God has a compensating reward that is reserved for those who please Him while we serve our earthly masters. And it didn’t matter if people were “slaves,” who did not directly benefit from any of their services. Or if others were overworked and underpaid. Or for those who lived in poverty while others lived in luxury. On a side note, someone in my small group mentioned, “Ever noticed that we tend to compare ourselves with those who have more rather than those who have less?” So true! Let’s do as Paul recommends, which is to work with enthusiasm, to do all things as unto the Lord rather than for the imperfect establishments we are a part of. Let’s focus on doing good and pleasing God for not only will we be ultimately rewarded, but He promises to work all things out on our behalf for those who love Him and are called according to His purposes (Romans 8:28). May we never think of life as unfair when our inheritance in Christ is far more than what this world could ever offer.