On Fairness

I've been thinking a lot about fairness lately. I find myself falling into a mindset of "that's not fair" or "they're getting more than me" or something similar. Almost like a righteous pity party.

After accepting that things will never be "fair," I realized that my definition of the word fair or just isn't universally applied. I only want the kind of fair that's positive. Like, we all get equal portions of cake. But if I want that kind of fairness, I need to be prepared to accept the consequences. Because consequences are also a form a fairness. If I behave wrongly (for example purposes, speeding), then there is a punishment that may come (I may get a ticket). I should receive the same consequences as others who committed similar wrong doings.

This thought took me even deeper. The end result is I'm so grateful that God doesn't judge me the way I judge others. While I tend to be critical of myself, I also tend to see my actions through rose colored glasses. Sometimes I give myself more credit than is due. I think that is a human thing to do though. We all look at ourselves and think we're doing our best and that we're "not as bad as so-and-so". But it's that kind of thinking that prevents us from looking further inward. Introspection and self-policing are what allow us to grow and change. If we can sit back and make an honest appraisal of our actions and our attitudes, we open ourselves to some constructive self criticism allowing for true growth to occur.

It is not my job to make sure I get what o deserve. Because, as a "sinner", as someone who is far from perfect, I don't deserve the grace I've been given. The bible says that all sin is seen as sin in the eyes of God. There isn't a better or worse sin than another. So my self importance and self righteousness is wrong just like someone else's self importance and self righteous is wrong. Jesus is the grace and mercy I don't deserve, but am given daily. And if I want to love like Jesus loves, I need to practice being gracious and compassionate. I need to take negative thoughts captive. I need to let go of my feelings of injustice. I need to trust that God will take care of me and that I will always have what I need.

We are all living our lives based on the things we've been through, how we view the things we've been through, and what we've done to deal with the things we've been through. And while some people have done a lot of work on their "insides", there will always be people who are most concerned with appearances rather than being genuine and authentic. But it is not MY job to say to someone "you're a fake, you're a phony, I'm trying harder than you" (even if it may be true).

I remember seeing this quote a few times about how we're all fighting a battle and to be kind to one another because we don't know what everyone is going through. If we all lived like that, I guarantee the world would be a better place. And since I can only control my own thoughts, actions and reactions, I'll start there. Here's to changing your thinking, one thought at a time. 🍻