Life Is Not Always Fair

From the time we are toddlers, the concept that life is not always fair is a hard thing for us to grasp.  What do you mean I can't have that toy?!  If Bobby has a trampoline why can't I?!  One of the hardest lessons to learn is that sometimes life isn't fair and it isn't even because of our actions, or because our parents are trying to teach us a lesson, but because of others'.  

There are many examples of this throughout the scriptures.  One of the best examples of this is of Joseph who is sold into slavery by his own brothers.  His story is found in Genesis 37-50.  Due to the jealousy of his brothers, not because he did anything wrong, he is sold to some Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver.  Joseph was able to make the most of the situation as he later becomes the ruler of a powerful man's house in Egypt, Potiphar. Then again, he is punished for doing no wrong; it is all because he would not sleep with Potiphar's wife after she tries to seduce him. He is then put into prison.  We know that he later becomes second in command to the Pharaoh and, with the help from Lord, is able to get the Egyptians and other surrounding countries through a great famine.  

(Joseph being sold.)

Now, even though I have not been sold into slavery by my siblings, I have received negative consequences because of other's actions. I have been punished by my parents for something that was actually done by one of my brothers or sisters, not by me.  I have had to run extra miles during field hockey practice, not because of what I was doing, but because some of my other teammates were goofing off. The point is, life isn't always fair and we don't always receive the consequences from our choices, but from others'. We also don't always get our way and what matters most is, despite all of this, how we react to what life throws our way.  Do we become bitter, resentful, and vindictive or do we, like Joseph, make the best of the situation and rely on God to get us through?  

https://www.lds.org/media-library/images/category/old-testament-all-gospel-art?lang=eng

Our belief in Christ

As Christians the main commonality we share is our belief in Jesus Christ.  We believe He is our Savior and Redeemer. We learn not only from the Bible of the role Christ plays in our redemption, but also in modern day scriptures. As I have mentioned in previous posts, I am a Mormon.  I know that God continues to speak to us in modern times.  I also know there are more scriptures of God's words to His children throughout the world than just the Bible. In the book of Moses, found in the Pearl of Great Price, we learn because of Him, we can be redeemed. 

Moses 5:9 "And in that day the Holy Ghost fell upon Adam, which beareth record of    the Father and the Son saying: I am the Only Begotten of the Father from the beginning, henceforth and forever, that as thou hast fallen thou mayest be redeemed, and all mankind, even as many as will."

I know that Christ is not only my older brother, but he is my Redeemer, Savior, and King.  He is the way back to our Father in heaven.  I am grateful to have scriptures which testify of Him and His role in the plan God has for us.  As it says in John 14:6

 "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."

I also know that we have a prophet today who continues to guide and direct his children on the Earth.  God has not forgotten us and still speaks to us.  I will end this post with a quote from our current prophet, President Russell M. Nelson, 

"I am thankful for [Jesus Christ's] loving-kindness and for His open invitation to come unto Him. ...I testify of Jesus Christ as the Mast Healer. ..."Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah, the Son of God, the Creator, the great Jehovah, the promised Immanuel, our atoning Savior and Redeemer, our Advocate with the Father, our great Exemplar.  And one day we will stand before Him as our just and merciful Judge."