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The Inequality Of Life

The phrase, “It’s not fair,” is commonly heard among siblings when one perceives that an inequality has occurred. Why? Because we live in a society where life is often assessed in terms of fairness. Many folks are raised from childhood with the notion that things need to be “fair.” If you have a turn, then I must also have a turn. If you have two of something and I have none, then you must share with me. If you receive something, then I also am entitled to the same.

Such a crooked perspective parallels what is “fair” with what is equal. Such a correlation results from the forced “fairness” of a communist/socialist system. Fair and equal are not synonymous. In fact, forced “fairness” precipitates injustice, contempt and incivility.

One writer observed that “when fairness is forced, it will never be carried out with benevolence on the part of the one being stripped of his abundance, nor can it be received with thankfulness on the part of the one expecting legislated equality.”

Let’s recall the parable of the day laborers (Matthew 20:1-16), noting that some of the workers perceived that they were not being paid fairly. With the first who came, he had agreed “for a denarius a day” (Matthew 20:2). Those who were hired at the third, sixth and ninth hours were told, “whatever is right I will give you” (Matthew 20:4). And finally, those hired at the eleventh hour were told, “whatever is right you will receive” (Matthew 20:7).

When it came time to settle with the laborers, from the last hired through to the first, each one received a denarius for their work. And so it was, the cry “unfair” came from those who had worked from the morning till the evening. How could the landowner pay men a denarius who had worked only an hour? It was unfair!

Note the landowner’s words:

“Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? Take what is yours and go your way. I wish to give to this last man the same as to you. Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things? Or is your eye evil because I am good?” (Matthew 20:13-15).

Again, consider the parable in which Jesus spoke of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32). This younger son had squandered his portion of his father’s goods. Finally, having been completely debased in the aftermath of his “riotous living,” he determined to return to his father. He thought that perhaps his father would take him back as a hired servant. Upon his return and penitent heart, his father dressed him in the best robe, put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet.

The fatted calf was killed, and a celebration ensued, for he said, “for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found” (Luke 15:24). But then comes the older brother, and what is his cry? “Unfair!” He then pleads his case before his father – how he’d always been obedient, unlike his brother – and yet not once had a celebration of this sort been given in his honor. His father responded, “It was right that we should make merry and be glad, for your brother was dead and is alive again, was lost and is found” (Luke 15:32).

What is the attitude that causes this cry of unfairness? Is it not covetousness? Is it not the desire to have what another has, and which we perceive we also should have? Paul identifies it as a form of idolatry (Colossians 3:5). The Hebrew writer cautions us, “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. “For He Himself has said,  “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). Jesus spoke, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses” (Luke 12:15).

Oh, that we would learn to focus on the important matters in life, rather than stewing over its injustices, whether real or perceived. This writer is fully convinced that those who are perpetually and intently concentrating on their service to the Lord, will not concern themselves with such things.

Brethren, it matters not whether we are treated fairly, whether we receive our “fair share,” or whether things are “equal” in all circumstances. What will matter, when this temporal life is over, is how we served our God and fellow man (Matthew 22:37-39; cf. Romans 12:1-21).

Let’s face it — there are times when life is simply not fair. However, in eternity, God is perfectly fair. Let us then focus on God’s eternal justice — not fleeting injustices here on earth.