Day 2 – Teen Devotion: Life Is Not Fair

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One of the hardest things to accept is the unfairness of life. Occasionally you’ll hear, “It’s not fair,” when someone is talking about a disappointing situation. We’re at day two of your 31-day teen devotion. Let’s talk about unfairness.

Read Rick’s 31-Day Devotions

• 31-Day Marriage Devotion
• 31-Day Parenting Devotion
• 31-Day Teen Devotion

A few individuals have not come to terms with the unfairness of life. They have yet to learn how life is not supposed to be fair (Genesis 3:8-14). Since the fall of Adam, life is full of complicatedness and unfairness. Adam’s fall set in motion a world the Lord did not design (Genesis 2:7). Adam brought death to the neighborhood (Romans 5:12). And things won’t be fair again until Jesus returns (Revelation 21:4).

Imperfect people do imperfect things. Everyone is born bad (James 1:14-15). Without exception, we take turns sinning against each other (Romans 3:23).

I’m not condoning unfairness. I wouldn’t say I like how things are, but you must know life cannot be any other way. To think otherwise is analogous to walking through a car wash, expecting not to get wet. How you respond to your disappointments will make all the difference. To sin in response to unfairness perpetuates sin (Proverbs 14:12). Turning your other cheek (Luke 6:29) while entrusting yourself to the Lord (1 Peter 2:21-25) changes things.

The more you practice a godly response when things go wrong, the more you will be able to rise above the unfairness of life.

Time to Reflect

1. Does your life reflect a “what’s in it for me” or a “how can I serve others” worldview?
2. What do your responses to disappointments reveal about you? How do you need to change?

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Rick Thomas

Rick launched the Life Over Coffee global training network in 2008 to bring hope and help for you and others by creating resources that spark conversations for transformation. His primary responsibilities are resource creation and leadership development, which he does through speaking, writing, podcasting, and educating.

In 1990 he earned a BA in Theology and, in 1991, a BS in Education. In 1993, he received his ordination into Christian ministry, and in 2000 he graduated with an MA in Counseling from The Master’s University. In 2006 he was recognized as a Fellow of the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC).