Character Counts Series: Fairness

CHARACTER COUNTS SERIES: FAIRNESS
For the Journal-Review
October 19, 2010
By Rev. Gary Lewis
First United Methodist Church

Fairness: A person of character is just and impartial, listens and is open to differing viewpoints.

When evangelist Billy Graham was asked to do the invocation at President Bush’s inauguration, he cited this quotation by George Washington: “America stands on two great pillars – faith and morality. Without these, our foundation crumbles.”

Fairness is morality in action.

When we choose to be just and impartial, when we choose to really listen to others, we become a person of character. Fairness is one of the bedrocks of a civilized society. We often quote the phrase, “life isn’t fair.” This is true.

After all, we live in a dog-eat-dog world. Tragedy often strikes. People we love die. Accidents happen and rob the many joys in life we cherish. All we have to do is to scan the headlines on any given day and we quickly conclude this world we live in is not heaven. However, no one said being a person of character would be easy.

Why should I be fair? While we might enjoy the company of someone who has character, when it comes to the challenges of life we often want to take shortcuts. It’s OK for someone else to fight fair, but for me and my needs, I am going keep it simple and fight. Period. Everyone else had better get out of the way.

While life is difficult at times, a person of character overcomes those difficulties by having an attitude of fairness. We need people who will listen and be open to various viewpoints. For our society to thrive, it requires people who are fair in their dealings with others. Without fairness, our democracy will crumble. Commerce certainly depends upon individuals who are willing to be just and impartial. Our political system needs a new infusion of fairness. We desperately need people who will listen and be open to various viewpoints.

Here are some ideas about why fairness, one of the bedrocks of character, is important:

1. I will reap whatever I sow.

The Bible tells us in Galatians 6:7: “Do not deceive yourselves: no one makes a fool of God. A person will reap exactly what he plants (Good News Translation).” When the Apostle Paul wrote this, he was being very certain about the consequences of choices we make in life. He didn’t say most of the time, or some of the time, but “A person will reap.” It is a law of the universe. If I plant apple seeds, I’ll grow an apple tree, not a peach tree. If I plant corn seed, I’m going to harvest corn, not potatoes.

Whatever we give out in life is what we are going to get back. If I choose to be a cheater, then I’m going to get cheated. If I take advantage of other people, then someone is going to take advantage of me. I will reap whatever I sow.
If I refuse to listen to the viewpoints of others and I insist on my view then there will be fewer people who will give me an audience. If I am overcritical of others, then I am going to suffer the consequences of criticism.

On the other hand, if I choose to be a person of character, a person of fairness, then more people will be fair in their dealings with me. If I desire to be a good listener, then there will be more people in my life willing to listen to me. (A good listener doesn’t mean to wait until it is your turn to speak, but to maintain eye contact and really make an effort to hear the other person.)

Fairness is an important character trait because it leads to a lifestyle of grace. What this world needs, especially with the push back from those consumed with greed, are more people with an attitude of fairness. When we choose to be a person of fairness, other people will notice.

If you are a parent, you know you are being closely watched by your kids. Values are caught not taught. What is my lifestyle communicating to my kids? Am I living a lifestyle that says character counts and fairness matters?

The Bible tells us to “let your light shine so people can see your good works and praise your Father in heaven.” There are people in your life right now who may not like your personality and they may disagree with your politics or your faith, but they will respect your character if you choose to be fair and impartial in your dealings with them. While the TV shows may not show it, a person of character is noticed when he or she walks into a room. Being fair is a positive witness to the world. “The Lord sees what happens everywhere; he is watching us, whether we do good or evil.” (Proverbs 15:1, Good News Translation)

2. God rewards fairness.

“God is not unfair. He will not forget the work you did or the love you showed for him in the help you gave…” (Hebrews 6:10, Good News Translation) In this life and in eternity, fairness is rewarded. Fairness leads to a full, happy, life. While the reward may not always be immediate, in the long term it is more than worth it.

When you don’t have any heavy burdens because of those you have treated unfairly, life takes on new meaning. While there may be some short-term benefit in unfairness, the long-term damage is not worth the temporary gain.

President Ronald Reagan told this story that has to do with character and fairness: “In one of the conflicts that was going on throughout the past year when views were held deeply on both side of the debate, I recall talking to one senator in my office. We both deeply believed what it was we were espousing, but we were on opposite sides.

“And when we finished talking, as he rose, he said, ‘I’m going out of here and do some praying,’ And I said, ‘Well, if you get a busy signal, it’s me there ahead of you.’”

Thankfully, we serve a God that has no busy signals. God is always present for us and our needs. May each of us, with Gods’ help, strive to be persons of character, exhibiting fairness in all of our relationships.