Most of us grew up being taught about the value of fairness, and for many of us, this has influenced both our worldview and our decision-making process. We all want to be careful not to disappoint that internal voice of our mother, that constantly reminds us to seek to be fair in our dealings with others.

However, even when the motivation is correct, our concept of fairness may at times be influenced by an incorrect worldview.

Since the beginning of time, man’s instinct for fairness has been the basis for his downfall. The devil convinced Eve that God was not being fair in keeping the best from man, and that her act of defiance would cause her to become like God, knowing good from evil (Genesis 3:1-6).

Jesus came to make man right with God by His grace through faith, since it was impossible for man to do so through his own works (Ephesians 2:8-9; Hebrews 10:1-4). However, mankind has difficulties accepting the free gift of salvation through Christ, because it does not seem "fair" to receive something that has not been earned.

The world’s view of fairness is an attempt to seek balance, or to be free from favoritism or self-interest. When something is fair, we are left with the impression that there is a balance on both sides of the equation.

A surface look at this definition gives us the impression that fairness is a virtue, and that when we are not "fair" in our dealings with others, we are in violation of the common laws of decency.  

While there is some merit to these concepts, true fairness is not something that man can accomplish outside of God. This is because, without God’s help, man does not have the ability to be truly free from favoritism and self-interest.

When we attempt to be fair without the guidance of God’s Word, we risk violating the very virtue that we seek to live up to. This is because man’s attempt to control outcomes often causes him to violate God’s laws. Also, while we can obey laws or apply principles, ultimately, we are not the ones who control outcomes -  that is God’s domain.

Godly fairness is actually best interpreted as justice. Justice is judgment based on laws or unchanging principles. Unlike fairness, justice does not seek to control outcomes, but rather seeks to ensure obedience. Justice is any act that is consistent with the Godly principles contained within the Word of God, while fairness is that which takes into account human reasoning and influence.  

Without absolutes, there cannot be justice. How can justice exist in an environment where all things are relative? Where there is no absolute, in his attempt to be fair, man simply adjusts the rules along the way to ensure a favorable outcome for himself – but it is always at the expense of others.  

God is not concerned about fairness or balance in the worldly sense – but He is concerned about justice. Many things that the world considers to be fair are unjust in the sight of God. Conversely, there are many things that we consider to be unfair that are just when seen in the light of God’s Word.  

1. It is not fair for one person to suffer the consequences for everyone - but Jesus paid the price for all of us (Titus 2:11-12).

1. It is not fair for two people working different amounts of time to be paid the same – but Jesus paid the workers of the vineyard the same though some worked more than others (Matthew 20:1-16).

1. It is not fair to take from those who do not have and give to those who have - but Jesus took the talent from the servant who only had one, and gave it to the servant who had ten (Matthew 25:29)!

1. It is not fair that for those who have much, much is required from them.  But, in Luke 12:48b, Jesus said, "For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more."

1. It is not fair to get something for nothing – but the grace of God and the salvation of man is free and unmerited (Ephesians 2:8-9).

1. It is not fair for people who have "messed up" to be given a second chance – but this is exactly what Jesus instructs us to do in Luke 15:11-31.

1. It is not fair when "good people" suffer for the mistake of "bad people" – yet Jesus Christ was perfect and without sins, and He suffered and died for sinful humanity. (Romans 5:7-8).

1. It is not fair to be punished for mistakes that others get away with (Ecclesiastes 8:11-14).

1. It is not fair that we cannot choose our sexuality and behaviors without suffering negative consequences (Romans 1:26-27), but the Bible clearly teaches that the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23).  

1. It is not fair that the only way to be reconciled to God is through Jesus Christ – but the Bible is clear that Jesus is the way, the truth, and life and that no one comes to God the Father except through His Son Jesus (John 14:6).

There are many misconceptions of fairness that have shaped our public policy, and our approach to life and business. We are in a seemingly endless pursuit of "fairness," when we should be pursuing the absolute standards of biblical justice and righteousness.

Otherwise, that which seems "fair" to us may not be just or righteous in God's sight; and that which seems "just" to humanity, may not be fair at all.

The next time you are tempted to say, "That’s not fair!" evaluate the situation to ensure that you are not subjectively applying the world’s standards of fairness.

My prayer for you today is that God will grant you the grace to fully understand biblical justice and righteousness, and that God will dispense His fairness and balance, in all that you do, in your life and in the marketplace.