Most of us have heard the “It’s not fair” argument against God. How could a loving God have allowed all those innocent people to be killed in that terrorist attack? If God is so powerful, how come He didn’t stop that hurricane from hitting? If God can do anything why can’t that couple who wants a child so badly have one? Why did my father die when I was so young and I needed him so much? IT’S NOT FAIR!

What if we use the same argument but change the perspective slightly? If all the bad things are not fair then by the same token, aren’t all the good things in life “not fair” too? When a hurricane misses us, do we say, “That was not fair”? Truth is, if we don’t deserve the bad things why do we deserve the good things?

Maybe “It’s not fair” is missing the point. I like the way The Message paraphrases Ecclesiastes 7:14; “On a good day, enjoy yourself; on a bad day, examine your conscience. God arranges for both kinds of days so that we won’t take anything for granted.”

Maybe the point in both good things and bad things is how we react to them. What are we learning? Is the character of Christ being formed in us? Are we bitter or better? Are we thankful regardless of circumstances?

The only thing I know for sure that really wasn’t fair was sinless Jesus dying on the cross for my sins. Yet when I stand before the throne of God after my life is over, I won’t say; “It’s not fair that you are granting me eternal life, Lord.” No, I’m certain my only words then will be “Thank You!”