Fair – God's character from A to Z

“No fair!”

How many times has each of us complained that way, claiming we’ve been shortchanged in some way?  Maybe someone else got a bigger portion or a better deal. So we raise a ruckus.

And we do the same thing with God. It’s as if we think we are entitled to extra credit somehow. We’re like the hired workers in Jesus’ parable (see Matthew 20:1-16), who worked all day and then complained that they received the same pay as those who joined the crew at the very end.

“It’s not fair,” we cry.

It’s like we’re sort of satisfied with the lot we have, but only until we notice that someone else’s lot seems a whole lot nicer or grander or easier. Then we begin to think we merit more.

Have we forgotten what we really deserve?

The Bible says we all deserve God’s wrath. (See Romans 3:23 and Romans 6:23.) The fact that we do receive anything better than that (and we do) points directly to God’s own grace and mercy.

God is fair. He is infinitely more than fair.

In fact, it’s fair to say that God is fair, whether we agree with His decisions or not. (It's not up to us anyway, is it? Our evaluation of God's fairness does not affect His intrinsic fairness at all.)

“For the Lord is righteous. He loves justice: the upright will see His face.” (Psalm 11:7, NIV)

God is righteous and just. What about us? Who is actually upright, unless the Lord picks him or her up? Who can look up to see God, unless God reaches down and picks up his or her face?

The Lord is fair, fairest of all by far. And if we actually caught even a glimpse of His glorious face, our complaints of apparent unfairness would likely flee.

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Efficient – God's character from A to Z

Look up “efficient” in the dictionary, and you will find words like these: accomplished, adept, capable, competent, deft, expert, facile, handy, ingenious, organized, productive, proficient, skillful, well-organized, and up to snuff.

Individually, those terms may not capture the entire meaning of efficiency. Put them together, though, and the gist is clear. Someone who is efficient makes the most of everything.

God is like that.

God doesn’t waste anything. Not even time. Not even when things feel to us like they take forever. His plan is perfect, and so is His timing.

Sometimes He even gives us clues about His plan for our lives, just to keep us on-track.

God is efficient.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28, NIV) 

This oft-quoted verse, memorized by so many Sunday schoolers, is frequently recited to claim that the Lord is committed to ironing out every sticky detail, every discomfort, and every disappointment in our lives immediately. How often do we try to pray God into a corner (as if that were not the most ridiculous concept to consider), calling out Romans 8:28 like a covenant for our own convenience?

The preceding verses (Romans 8:26-27) point to the will of God and how the Holy Spirit intercedes for us (essentially translating our prayers) to make them fit God’s plan for us. Romans 8:29-30 talk about God’s ultimate purposes for our lives, including salvation, justification, sanctification, and ultimate completion in Christ. Those are big theological words, but they’re all about God saving us from sin and self and growing us closer to Him for now and forever.

In His efficiency, our most Excellent God works through the wonderful, the wearisome, the weird, the woeful, the wild, the whimsical, and even the wicked things that happen to us. In the end, He will have woven an intricate pattern that traces our days and draws us to His own heart.

Maybe God is more concerned about the condition of my heart than whether the traffic light stays green long enough for me to zip right through it. Perhaps He allows me to be stuck in a round-the-store grocery line, simply to place me next to someone that needs a little lift today. Do fender benders, flat tires, skinned knees, or even bigger mishaps mean God isn’t paying attention or keeping His promise to guide our lives and protect us?

Not at all.

Sure, the Almighty cares about the little details of our lives. The Lord hurts when we hurt. I think He jumps with jubilation when we experience pure joy. Either way, in His efficiency, He promises to work it all out in His time.

Thank God we’re not in charge here.

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Dignified – God's character from A to Z

Because God pulls out all the stops to welcome us into personal relationship with Him, we tend to think of the Almighty and Holy One in familiar and fond terms. I am pretty sure that’s not a bad thing, unless we forget to hold Him in the appropriate awe that befits the Lord God.

He beckons us into His Presence, where He shares His heart with us. But He is holy and mighty beyond all our understanding. His dignity is past all comprehension. Even the most dignified human being we can imagine doesn’t stand in His shadow.

Dictionaries define “dignified” in terms like distinguished, exalted, grand, impressive, lofty, lordly, majestic, noble, proper, regal, solemn, and stately.

God is dignified.

One day, when we see Him face to face, we will likely fall flat upon our own. God is that awesome and full of glory.

“Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Timothy 1:17, NIV)

God adores us. Let us adore Him. But let us hold Him in high honor, recognizing His dignity and holiness. 

Only He is worthy.

 

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