Human injustice throughout the world and in our own communities also shatters any misconception we have that we humans are all basically good. Left to our own devices, we oppress other people, hoard our food, and generally think about ourselves much more than anyone else. It’s as if God looks at the humanity he created and says, “OK, you think you’re basically good. You think human nature is basically unselfish? I’ll step back and let human nature take its course in the world. We’ll show you what happens when God isn’t in the picture.” Want to know what that looks like? Just pick up a newspaper.

What’s true in children and society in general is also true in our lives today. You and I are treated unfairly all the time. But here’s a secret you may not have considered: You treat people unfairly from time to time as well.

Our propensity to treat one another unfairly doesn’t surprise God. In fact, it shows why we need Jesus.

The Bible says, “God is letting the world go on its sinful way so that he can test mankind, and so that men themselves will see that they are no better than beasts” (Ecclesiastes 3:18 TLB).

The reality is, without God in the situation, people are very inhumane to each other. That’s the heart of all the injustice and unfairness in our world — from despotic dictators to crushing poverty to simple injustices in our neighborhoods.

One day God will judge every person on the planet for the injustices they commit against others. Because God is just, there must be consequences for how we treat others.

That means we need mercy. All of us have been unfair with others from time to time. We’re not just the victims of injustice. We’re perpetrators, too.

This unfairness shows us we need Jesus. God wouldn’t have needed to send his Son to die on the cross if people were generally good. The vast injustices in our world make it clear that humans can’t live moral lives on their own.

Next time you’re treated unfairly, let it be a reminder: Every person on this planet, including you, needs Jesus.

This explains how affairs happen.

First, you begin by accepting sinful thoughts into your mind. “What would it be like to have sex with that person? Is it so wrong?” You start having doubts, and you start fantasizing in your mind. You begin to think it’s harmless.

But it’s not. Your thoughts produce feelings. And feelings inevitably lead to actions.

You then move into emotional, non-physical involvement. That’s when you start flirting. You start making gestures and comments, subtly or not-so-subtly saying, “I’m available.” Next comes the physical involvement. And finally, you rationalize your actions: “Everybody is doing it. It’s no big deal. We’re both adults.”

Your sinful actions started when you accepted sinful thoughts into your mind.

The Bible tells us in 2 Timothy 2:22 how to manage our thoughts before they ever head down this path: “Turn your back on the turbulent desires of youth and give your positive attention to goodness, faith, love and peace” (Phillips).

The Bible tells us to turn away from lustful thoughts and turn instead toward something positive. That two-step process is how you break a temptation before it ever gets started. You’re thinking wrong long before you’re acting wrong. You stop the cycle by turning your back on those sinful thoughts and turning toward goodness, integrity, love, and peace.

You’re not an innocent bystander to sexual sin. You have a choice.