The Fair or the Just...

The conversation this week on the radio was all about a denial of merger between two large airlines. It's not fair, people complain. The last time two airlines wanted to merge, it was allowed. To be fair, you should allow the merger this time, too. Opponents made the point that times and economic conditions were different last time.

I find the "fair" argument fascinating.  My kids used it...a LOT.  "It's not fair!" was a fallback position anytime another person got something they wanted, or thought they wanted. But, of course, when they benefitted from special treatment, all was well.

We all do it.  It's human nature to want the "other" person's benefits cut while preserving our own. Makes perfect sense. "We" work hard, are deserving, and will make good use of the benefit. "They" on the other hand, are lazy, don't deserve special treatment, and will waste the opportunity.

One way I have been transformed by my faith journey is learning to use the right adjective. I no longer ask, "Is it fair?"  My question is, "Is it just?" I have four children, have worked with many others in my work as an educator in schools and church.  Each child needs something different from me.  Some need much time and energy. Some less. "Fair" would mean each child should get the exact same amount of time. "Just" means each child gets what they need.

God is not "fair" to us. We never get the same thing as the person next to us. We also do not get what we "deserve."  What we get is God's very self, an offer of relationship that leads ultimately to our shalom, our health and wholeness...and more importantly, the health and wholeness of our families, our communities, and the whole world. That's God's vision. But it is not "fair." It will never be "fair."

SNAP grants have been cut significantly by congress. One reason, "It's not fair." Not fair that some people get government assistance.  Not fair that a few abuse the system. Not fair that I can't go down and get help with my grocery bill.

Our God is a God who favors the poor, the widow, the orphan. For God, the issue is never fairness, it's always justice.

It's time to change the question.