Buzz Words: What is FAIR?

In the culture of today, there are always ‘Buzz Words’ that become an overwhelming part of our public conversation. This is never more true than in our cycle of elections where words are thrown around with the assumption that we all know what they mean. The interesting part of ‘Buzz Words’ is that opposing sides of an argument will both use the same words to reveal why they are right.

In a recent on-line blog by ‘The Economist’ for Forbes (4-17-12) it was stated:
In Washington today we constantly hear about fairness. We hear that the people who pay taxes need to pay more because it’s only fair. We hear that people who pay no federal income tax should get more aid from the government because it’s only fair. Who created this concept of fairness and what is fair?

That is a good question: Who created this concept of fairness and what is fair?

1-2 "God's kingdom is like an estate manager who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard. They agreed on a wage of a dollar a day, and went to work. 3-5"Later, about nine o'clock, the manager saw some other men hanging around the town square unemployed. He told them to go to work in his vineyard and he would pay them a fair wage. They went.

5-6"He did the same thing at noon, and again at three o'clock. At five o'clock he went back and found still others standing around. He said, 'Why are you standing around all day doing nothing?'

7"They said, 'Because no one hired us.'

"He told them to go to work in his vineyard.

8"When the day's work was over, the owner of the vineyard instructed his foreman, 'Call the workers in and pay them their wages. Start with the last hired and go on to the first.'

9-12"Those hired at five o'clock came up and were each given a dollar. When those who were hired first saw that, they assumed they would get far more. But they got the same, each of them one dollar. Taking the dollar, they groused angrily to the manager, 'These last workers put in only one easy hour, and you just made them equal to us, who slaved all day under a scorching sun.'

13-15"He replied to the one speaking for the rest, 'Friend, I haven't been unfair. We agreed on the wage of a dollar, didn't we? So take it and go. I decided to give to the one who came last the same as you. Can't I do what I want with my own money? Are you going to get stingy because I am generous?'

Matthew 20:1-16 The Message

Was that fair?

What does it mean to be fair? Like any English word, “fair” has multiple meanings.
Webster defines fair as “marked by impartiality and honesty: free from self-interest, prejudice, or favoritism; sufficient but not ample.” Other definitions include: “in accordance with the rules or standards; without Cheating or trying to achieve unjust advantage.” Synonyms include: “just, honest, equitable.”

So, how can something be fair?

One concept of fairness is revealed through the concept of Fair Trade Certified products where a base price for the commodity is set by the international Fair Trade Labeling Organization. The set price attempts to cover the cost of production and a living wage to cover the basics of food, shelter, clothing, education, and medical care. Importers and retailers are then screened and certified to ensure that they are paying the Fair Trade price for products. Crafts, apparel and other non-certified products are sold by members of the Fair Trade Federation, businesses committed to the principles of Fair Trade. So the idea of fair in this instance is simply that a living wage is paid within the local context.

So, how do we determine what is fair?

Americans are unusual in their commitment to the idea of fairness-as-merit. I suspect that is one of the greatest American ideals - people should be judged on their abilities. Fairness has somehow become something that is gained or earned. Now we are a compassionate country and few would want that to change. I mean … we don’t want people living in the streets or going hungry because that wouldn’t somehow be fair … and yet …

Arthur Brooks, the president of the American Enterprise Institute, defended this idea of fairness-as-merit in an article in the Washington Post this past year. He wrote: We are not a perfect opportunity society in the United States. But if we want to approach that ideal, we must define fairness as meritocracy, embrace a system that rewards merit, and work tirelessly for true equal opportunity. The system that makes this possible, of course, is free enterprise. When I work harder or longer hours in the free-enterprise system, I am generally paid more than if I work less in the same job. Investments in my education translate into market rewards. Clever ideas usually garner more rewards than bad ones, as judged not by a politburo, but by citizens in the marketplace.

So, what is fair?

It should all be perfectly clear or is your head still spinning?

That is the problem with ‘Buzz Words’ no one takes the time to define what they mean when the use them and we are left picking sides without knowing.

I believe Jesus would use this same parable today to teach us about fairness and our desire to define fairness in way that is fair. In the parable, Jesus tries to show us that our sense of fairness is often based on our own limited, albeit too often selfish, perspective. And as a result our own happiness becomes directly related to our expectations. In life when our expectations do not meet with reality we cry out, “That’s not fair!”

Perhaps as you think of expectations and reality, you can relate to the parents of the college coed who received this letter from their daughter:

Dear Mom & Dad,

I'm sorry I've been so long in writing. Unfortunately all my stationery was destroyed the night our dorm was set on fire by demonstrators. I'm out of the hospital now and the doctors say my eyesight should return sooner or later. The wonderful boy, Bill, who rescued me from the fire kindly offered to share his apartment with me until my dorm room is rebuilt. He comes from a grand family, so you won't be surprised when I tell you we're going to be married in a short while. In fact, since you've always wanted a grandchild, you'll be glad to know you'll be grandparents in just a few months!

P.S. Please disregard the above practice in English composition. There was no fire. I haven't been to the hospital. I'm not pregnant, and I don't even have a boyfriend. But I did get a "D" in French and an "F" in chemistry. I just wanted to be sure you received the news in perspective.

Depending on your perspective this may or may not be a ‘fair’ way to deliver bad news.

Now, when we read the parable of the workers in the vineyard, I think that Jesus is trying to teach us something about perspective: Not all of your expectations, dreams, or wishes will come true. Life is series of expectations – some met – some unmet. Life is seemingly filled with a great deal of unfair events. Our expectations, our hopes, our dreams will not always be met. Simply put life will not always be fair. The best team doesn’t always win. The most deserving doesn’t always get the prize. The question in those moments will be “What will you do when your expectations do not meet with your reality?”

Paul reminded us in his letter to the church in Corinth: Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize (1 Corinthians 9:24 NIV).

Choosing to do what is right in living your faith may not always garner you the prize, but it doesn’t mean that you haven’t competed well or for that matter fairly.

Therefore, we need to remember that gratitude will change our perspective. There are many times in life when it is nearly impossible to praise God! Now Thanksgiving will not change your circumstances, but thanksgiving can change what your circumstances will do to you.

I know it is not always easy to praise God. It's not always easy when you are stuck in traffic or late for work to praise God. It's not easy when the Doctor's report isn't what you prayed for or hoped for. It's not easy to praise God when your best friend betrays you and leaves you all alone.

Paul encourages us to gain perspective in our thought process by reminding us: whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things (Philippians 4:8 NIV).

Changing the way we think or perceive life will go a long way in helping us understand what is fair. And as you continue to ponder “What is fair?” Need I remind you that God has chosen not do deal with each of us fairly, as society might determine it, but rather God is the owner of the vineyard who gives us grace and mercy as we need it and God chooses to give it freely to us without any merit.
Is that fair? By cultures definition it is certainly not.

I for one am grateful that God has a completely different perspective on what is fair in my life and for all of eternity for that matter.

Prayer:

God we confess that trying to find real TRUTH in this world is getting harder and harder to find. We are reminded what Paul wrote in Colossians:These are a Shadow of things to come, the reality however is found in Christ

As we seek to find answers to the questions of our day help us to find the truth that is built on the truth of Jesus Christ. Keep us from shying away from the debate of the day. May we ever ready to answer for our faith and as we answer may we be able to own and define the words we use. AMEN