The Curse of Equality

Championing equality has become highly fashionable in our time.

At a glance, equality conveys notions of justice, fairness, and equity; but take a closer look, and you will behold a darker element–a malignant root that invariably curses all those who allow it to empower their pursuit of a so-called ‘fairer’ life.

Whilst periodically shooting up as a fresh new growth, the ‘latest’ quest for equality springs from ancient roots–as the ancient biblical records attest.

The first and most significant quest for equality is recorded as occuring in pre-history. The quest was that of Satan, God’s great Archangel. The events surrounding his doomed quest, and the motives behind it, are metaphorically outlined for us in Isaiah 14 and Ezekiel 28. From these scriptures we glean that Satan was originally the most glorious of all the angels, but his pride gave birth to a covetous desire to be equal with God: “Your heart was proud because of your beauty…” Ezekiel 28:17, and ” I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the most high.” Isaiah 14:14.

The pride and covetousness that animated Satan’s equality quest deceived him. Ultimately, there is only one place for one true God, and Satan could never assume that place. The quest failed and Satan was cast down; Jesus testifying to this event, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.” Luke 10:18 Indeed, the consequence of this rebellion was bitter: Satan and his angels were banished from a permanent place in heaven ( Rev 12:9) and appointed a destiny of eternal destruction (Matt 25:41).

The second quest for equality occurred at the dawn of history, in God’s unspoiled creation. It should come as no surprise that this quest should also involve the previously vanquished Satan. Taking the form of a serpent, Satan made his appeal to Eve in the Garden of Eden. Yes, it was also on the grounds of equality, “For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil” Gen 3:5. Simply put, the temptation appealed to a desire for a higher station, to be on equal terms with God in knowledge and wisdom.

Giving into the deception, Eve and Adam ate the forbidden fruit and received that knowledge–but it was bittersweet! The consequences of their quest for equality with God were immediate and far reaching. Eve was cursed with painful childbearing and conflict with her husband, Adam was cursed with toil and hardship in his work until his death. Death and suffering then entered the world, and all creation was subjected to the divine curse as a consequence of this first historical quest for equality.

From this point on, the anals of human history would be replete with story after story of failed equality quests. Misguided and deceived individuals motivated by covetous desires seeking a fairer or higher station in life; all would taste the bitter pill of disappointment; all would be cursed by the consequences of their futile mission. Indeed, it is true to say, that whenever ‘equality’ is pursued on the grounds of self interest, the pursuer is always cursed by the bitter consequences!

Oblivious to these ancient accounts, many in our time vigorously pursue equality quests: Gender equality, marriage equality, animal equality, and so on. And although these apparently virtuous movements might be cloaked in the thin garments of justice, they are all plagued by the old nemesis’s of pride and covetousness; sinister motives that relentlessly animate the selfish human desire to become something or someone God never intended.

True to form, as long as the equality quest is pursued on these grounds, there will be cursed consequences–not only for the individuals involved, but for their families, communities, and nations associated with and deceived by the agendas of these ‘equality seekers’.

Furthermore, what of the countless individual quests for equality? How often are we tempted to say, ‘It’s not fair, I deserve better?’ ‘Why are others more well off?’ ‘I deserve a better job, better house, better car, better spouse, better life!’ Of course, our temptations are not helped by the advertising ‘serpents’ , constantly tempting us by creating discontentment in our hearts and fuelling a relentless quest for equality. Interestingly, as soon as we achieve that new level of equality, there is always another level to seek–fuelled by the pangs of covetous inequality.

Yes, the grass might look greener on the other side of the fence, but that doesn’t mean its sweeter!

In the end, despite there seemingly virtuous intent, quests for equality are almost all animated by a covetous spirit; a burning desire to gain something one was never intended to attain. And their end was always the same–disaster.

But are we all condemned to making the same foolish mistakes forever? Is there hope for those suffering the consequences of failed equality quests? Can the curse be broken?

The good news is, there is hope.

For the curse has already been broken–its powerful reality just needs to be claimed. 2000 years ago a special person made a special offering to break the curse. In fact, this special individual was with God when the first equality quest failed, and actually preexisted with God in a state of complete equality before time began. Yet, he graciously set aside that status of equality in order to embark on a quest to redeem those cursed by all subsequent failed quests.

This person is Jesus Christ: “  Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing  by taking the very nature of a servant,  being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself   by becoming obedient to death—  even death on a cross!” Phil 2

The selfish quest for equality by a heavenly being brought the curse of sin, death, and destruction into the world; but the selfless quest for humility by greater divine being broke this former curse.

Jesus, who was already equal with God, humbled himself, took on human form, perfectly obeyed God’s will and then offered himself as an atoning sacrifice for the sins of humanity –paying the price of the curse and setting the cursed captives free.

Moreover, Jesus’ resurrection from the dead with a new incorruptible body, proved that the curse had indeed been broken. Following his successful mission, he was taken up to heaven and reclaimed his rightful place in glory, “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Phil 2:9-11 (NIV)

Apart from offering redemption to fallen sinners from the curse of equality, Jesus showed that the only way to glory was via humility.

So, to be set free from the curse, to receive forgiveness, and to gain the hope of glory that Jesus attained, to claim all the benefits, we have to humbly take a step of faith. This step involves renouncing our pride and selfishness; admitting that we have failed, that we are sinners, and we are truly sorry for our prideful rebellion. We then need to put our personal trust in Jesus, completely beleiving that his work was sufficient to nullify the curse of sin and set us free, and counting ourselves dead to our old life of selfishness.

Furthermore, any true faith in Jesus will manifest itself in true obedience to his will. Through obedience to Christ, animated not by selfish human motives or human willpower, but by the indwelling of his selfless Holy Spirit, we are enabled to overcome the malignant power of sin in our lives. Through faith in Christ, the power of the curse is broken; through obedience to him its consequences are reversed.

Are you caught up in a futile quest for equality?

Stop right now, consider the consequences that may come, look not to the world for a solution to your desires, but to Jesus Christ; for only he can grant the contentment you truly seek!