Arrogance

Humans are a remarkably arrogant group of people. At least, in one certain area. We believe that God owes us. If He is to be considered "good," He will need to conform to our version of "good." Typically, that includes "physical comfort" and "no pain" and maybe, if we're generous, comfort for our loved ones and even our fellow countrymen. It does not include sickness, disease, loss, shortfall, financial woes, setbacks, pain and suffering. It certainly does not include evil. Well, "their" evil, at least. Evil done to us or the ones we love. Because if God is going to be considered "good," He must stop their evil while, at the same time, overlooking ours. Judgment is certainly off our list of acceptable actions toward us.

While all this is almost universally accepted as true among humans (and, if it's not true, it's the reason that so many reject God's very existence), it is certainly not biblical. The God of the Bible has no inherent obligation to be kind to His creation. He has no obligation to be merciful to sinners. Biblically, His creation is in rebellion (Rom 8:7) -- enemies of God (Rom 5:10). The psalmist wrote, "If You, LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?" (Psa 130:3). Answer? No one. On our own, we have no defense. If all God showed was justice, every one of us would experience suffering now and suffering eternally. The fact that this is largely news to us is simply key evidence that we are arrogant.

Of course, we know that God is gracious -- showing favor that is not merited -- and merciful -- withholding justice -- and we're happy about that. Well, we're happy if it's toward us, but some are mad if it's not toward everyone because ... oh, yeah ... we're arrogant. "If God doesn't show grace and mercy to everyone, it's not "gospel" -- not "good news." What audacity! If we grasp that God is so far beyond us that we have no standing and then realize that He deigns to offer mercy and grace to all and gives it to some, we couldn't see that as "unfair." We would see it as astoundingly good news. That God would save even one of the rebels intent on overthrowing Him is a kindness beyond comprehension. But don't worry. Most of us will retain that arrogance that subjugates God to our personal standards and we'll miss it entirely.

When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained; What is man that You take thought of him, And the son of man that You care for him? Yet You have made him a little lower than God, And You crown him with glory and majesty! (Psa 8:3-5)