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PROGRAM D-6996
Do you need some expectation adjustments today? I’ve noticed that often we set ourselves up for disappointment and misery because we expect the wrong things from the wrong people or circumstances.
For example, do you expect fair treatment in this world? Adjust your expectations. This world does not offer it—not consistently and justly as it should.
We have laws that demand everyone be treated fairly; our justice system is designed to insure equal justice for all; we have company policies that demand equal opportunities and fair-handed management. But because these systems are administered by people who are born in sin—just like you and me—we are all painfully aware that fairness is a sometimes thing. And no one ever receives totally fair treatment in this world.
If you don’t adjust your expectations about fair treatment, you’ll find yourself continually frustrated, angry and embittered because things aren’t fair! I don’t mean to imply that we should never oppose the unfairness we encounter, but I know that in our personal lives, a key to contentment and joy is to learn not to be surprised when we are not treated fairly. Expecting fair treatment is a recipe for unhappiness.
Someone treating you unfairly right now? Can I say this kindly: What did you expect?
We’re living in the enemy’s territory and that’s the way he runs his show. If you will adjust your expectation of fair treatment and remind yourself that life is full of unfairness, you’ll discover some relief and freedom from that obsession for fairness.
By the way, aren’t you glad God doesn’t treat us fairly? The Psalmist reminds us: “He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities” (Ps. 103:10). And again in Psalm 130: “If you, O Lord, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand?”
If God treated us fairly, we’d never make it to heaven. Every day he pours new mercy and grace on us, treating us so unfairly—giving us what we never could and never will deserve! Amen! If you and I will focus our expectations on the wonderfully unfair treatment we receive from our heavenly Father, the unfair treatment we get in this world won’t bother us so much. I encourage you to do that today when someone is unfair to you.