There is a great deal of debate in our world about what is commonly called “equal opportunity.” The term is generally accepted as meaning that people are to be treated without discrimination. For the record, I believe that both men and women are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), and that all people come from “one blood” (Acts 17:27). All people should be treated as eternal souls, uniquely created by an all-wise God.

No Spirit-filled believer will treat people differently based upon racial, social, or economic class. The God of truth and love cannot bless such division! Even those living in sin should be treated respectfully as human beings created by God and lovingly as sinners for whom Jesus died. The most equal thing on earth is the truth of the gospel: we are ALL loved by God (John 3:16), we are ALL sinners (Romans 3:23), Christ died for ALL men (Hebrews 2:9), and ALL people are saved the same way (John 14:6). That sounds pretty equal to me!

People used to say, “The ground is level at the foot of the cross.” God said of Himself that He “will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4) and that He is “not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). All people need the opportunity to clearly hear the message of Christ and choose for themselves to accept or reject Him.

Yet all too often the idea of equal opportunity gets twisted to mean something far different. For example, in our world equal opportunity is now used to promote an agenda of special privilege for certain groups. It is also used to defend behavior that is blatantly against the way God intended men to live.

But, did you know that believers and Christian workers can begin to develop an “equal opportunity” mindset that promotes selfishness and misses the very plan and purpose of God in their own lives?

I meet so many people who are disgruntled with their “lot in life.” Circumstances have not been fair. Others have done them wrong. And, most of all, God has not given them nearly enough opportunity.

The argument is built on a false premise: that every person deserves the same opportunities. The truth is that none of us deserve anything but hell! Any good thing we have is the grace of God. And the God of grace chooses different things – good and bad – for each of His servants.

And therein is the real secret: we are His servants. Servants don’t demand; they obey. If the Creator is your Master then you can trust that the One who made you knows exactly how to fulfill His special purpose for your life.

God gave every servant distinct ABILITY.

We are all created with certain natural talents that are unique to us. On top of that, every believer receives some spiritual gift from the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:8-11). One thing is clear in Scripture: no two people have the exact same set of gifts and abilities. The distribution of the talents is in the Master’s hand! Romans 12:6 says, “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us…” Recognize how God has made you and rejoice in it! Rest in His choice. He knows what He is doing and it is always right.

God gives every servant different OPPORTUNITY.

As surely as we are given varied abilities, the Lord also grants corresponding varied opportunities. It is my conviction that if God gives you something to do He opens the door for you to exercise your gift and accomplish His purpose. No two people have the same opportunity or ability. How liberating it is to discover what God wants you to do and to find your identity in Him alone!

God gives every servant differing RESPONSIBILITY. 

The outgrowth of individual ability and opportunity is that we all will have differing responsibilities! My assignment is not yours and yours is not mine. Let’s stop trying to be “equal opportunity” servants and just gladly do what God has given each of us to do!

There is one thing that is common to us all – we all will give to God an answer for how we used what He put in our hands. Maybe instead of comparing ability, complaining over opportunity, or trying to create a different responsibility, we should give more time to considering our accountability!

Soon we all will kneel at the nail pierced feet of Jesus and give an account. On that day every servant will report to the Master for their ability, their opportunity, and their responsibility. You can be sure that His judgment will be equal.