Unfairness Shows Us We Need Jesus

Current Teaching Series Building My Life on Values That Last

Unfairness Shows Us We Need Jesus — July 10, 2018 "I'm a mess. I'm nothing and have nothing; make something of me. You [God] can do it; you've got what it takes" (Psalm 40:17 The Message). You'll hear it from many different quarters these days: People are basically good and unselfish. It's their environments that turn people's hearts toward evil. Unfortunately, that theory just doesn't square with what we see in human nature. If you've ever been around small children, you get this. They're born with a selfish nature. Phrases like, "Feed me! Care for me! I'm the center of attention" are the rule rather than the exception. Human injustice throughout the world and in our own communities also shatters any misconception we have that we humans are all basically good. Left to our own devices, we oppress other people, hoard our food, and generally think about ourselves much more than anyone else. It's as if God looks at the humanity he created and says, "OK, you think you're basically good. You think human nature is basically unselfish? I'll step back and let human nature take its course in the world. We'll show you what happens when God isn't in the picture." Want to know what that looks like? Just pick up a newspaper. What's true in children and society in general is also true in our lives today. You and I are treated unfairly all the time. But here's a secret you may not have considered: You treat people unfairly from time to time as well. Our propensity to treat one another unfairly doesn't surprise God. In fact, it shows why we need Jesus. The Bible says, "God is letting the world go on its sinful way so that he can test mankind, and so that men themselves will see that they are no better than beasts" (Ecclesiastes 3:18 TLB). The reality is, without God in the situation, people are very inhumane to each other. That's the heart of all the injustice and unfairness in our world — from despotic dictators to crushing poverty to simple injustices in our neighborhoods. One day God will judge every person on the planet for the injustices they commit against others. Because God is just, there must be consequences for how we treat others. That means we need mercy. All of us have been unfair with others from time to time. We're not just the victims of injustice. We're perpetrators, too. This unfairness shows us we need Jesus. God wouldn't have needed to send his Son to die on the cross if people were generally good. The vast injustices in our world make it clear that humans can't live moral lives on their own. Next time you're treated unfairly, let it be a reminder: Every person on this planet, including you, needs Jesus.PLAY today's audio teaching from Pastor Rick >> Talk About It How do you typically deal with being treated unfairly? What do you think about the statement, "Next time you are unfair to someone, it shows how much you need Jesus"? How does this devotional help you answer the question, "Why does God allow bad things to happen to good people?"

Our Gift: Building My Life on Values That Last Complete Audio Series Each day, you have to make important life choices—How am I going to think, speak, and act? Many people struggle with making the best choices—because they're taking their cues from the wrong people and living by values that are at odds with God's values. Pastor Rick Warren shares the practical advice you need to make life-giving moral choices in his complete audio series, Building My Life on Values That Last. Messages include: • Choosing My Standards • Accepting Responsibility • Developing Trust • Developing Self-Control • The Balanced Life • Showing Respect • Offering Forgiveness • Maintaining Moral Purity • Showing Fairness LEARN MORE

Complete Audio Series (Purchase) Includes 9 full-length teaching CDs from Pastor Rick's series Building My Life on Values That Last LEARN MORE

Series Summary Session 1: Choosing My Standards Session 2: Accepting Responsibiilty Session 3: Developing Trust Session 4: Developing Self-Control Session 5: The Balanced Life Session 6: Showing Respect Session 7: Offering Forgiveness Session 8: Maintaining Moral Purity Session 9: Showing Fairness PLAY TODAY'S BROADCAST

Pastor Rick Warren

Enjoy today's Devotional? Listen instantly to the full radio message at Daily Hope Radio. Did someone forward this devotional to you? Subscribe to Pastor Rick Warren's Daily Devotional. This devotional is based on the current Daily Hope radio series at pastorrick.com. Rick Warren has helped people live with hope and on purpose for more than 40 years. He's the founding pastor of Saddleback Church in Southern California and author of several books, including The Purpose Driven Church and The Purpose Driven Life, which has been translated into 137 languages and sold more than 50 million copies in all formats. He created the PEACE Plan (plant churches of reconciliation, equip servant leaders, assist the poor, care for the sick, educate the next generation), which is used by churches in 196 countries. His radio teaching and daily devotional, Daily Hope, is offered around the world. This devotional © 2018 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission. You can unsubscribe at any time by changing your e-mail preferences. Update your preferences | Unsubscribe