The British Labour Party's new campaign slogan, "A fair future for all," raises questions about the feasibility of such a promise. How can a politician, political party, or government guarantee fairness to an entire nation, encompassing every man, woman, and child? This goal seems to reflect naivety, a lack of understanding of true fairness, or a deliberate misrepresentation of what fairness means. It appears to combine idealism, ignorance, and obfuscation, using fairness as a code word for hidden objectives. In political speech, fairness often implies leveling the playing field to ensure equal outcomes, rather than providing an equal starting point. This differs from the concept of equality as understood historically, where all human lives are seen as having equal worth under God, and each person has an equal say in governance. True fairness, or equity, means impartial application of the law to everyone, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, race, class, economic status, education, or religion. This principle of equity, rooted in historical legal traditions, emphasizes justice and impartiality over sameness. However, achieving true equity has proven elusive. No nation, including America, has fully realized this ideal, as evidenced by historical inequities faced by various groups. Fairness, in many cases, remains a myth or an ideal rather than a reality. Progressives, when speaking of fairness, often push for equal outcomes rather than equal opportunities, manipulating laws to penalize the strong and advantage the weak. This approach distorts the playing field, as seen in policies like Affirmative Action, which can create unfair disadvantages for some while aiming to benefit others. Similarly, calls for wealth redistribution seek to balance economic disparities but risk fostering equal misery for most, except for a small elite. Ultimately, only God can truly provide a fair future for all. He alone judges everyone impartially and equitably under the law, granting the freedom to realize human potential.

In our society, fairness often drives laws and policies to address perceived unfairness. In the Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard, workers who labored all day felt cheated when paid the same as those who started later, revealing the world's superficial and emotional view of fairness. This perspective focuses on getting rather than giving, rooted in an inflated sense of what is deserved. The world's response to unfairness often worsens the problem, as seen in policies like affirmative action, where merit is overlooked, advancing those of lesser merit while passing over those who have earned their place. This creates further unfairness on multiple levels. In contrast, God's sovereignty allows Him to act as He pleases with what is His, placing each member in the body as He desires. Despite this, humans sometimes feel God is unfair, questioning why they are not getting what they deserve. Yet, the reality is that fairness and justice demand death as the wage of sin, while God's grace offers unearned eternal life through the sacrifice of His Son. Human beings often hold a distorted view of fairness, and we must strive to judge matters based on God's principles of equity and justice rather than the shallow, emotional approach of the world. The grace given to us, though seen as unfair by many, comes at a great price, reflecting the profound love of God and His Son for an undeserving people.

The concept of fairness often stirs discontent, as many lament, "It's not fair," when comparing their circumstances to others. God's perspective on fairness, however, stands apart from worldly definitions, rooted in His divine authority rather than equal outcomes. In Matthew 20:11-15, the parable of the workers in the vineyard illustrates this, as workers complain about receiving the same wage despite differing hours of labor, yet the landowner, representing God, asserts His right to give as He wills, questioning if their discontent stems from an evil eye toward His goodness. Similarly, in Romans 9:10-13, God's choice between Jacob and Esau, before their birth or any deeds, underscores that His fairness is not based on merit but on His sovereign will. Fairness, in a biblical sense, aligns with impartiality and justice, not equal results. Colossians 4:1 instructs masters to treat bondservants with what is just and fair, acknowledging a heavenly Master who oversees all. Luke 6:37-38 further emphasizes this principle, urging individuals to judge and give with the same measure they wish to receive, ensuring fairness in actions as God demands honest weights and measures. Micah 6:8 reinforces this duty, declaring that the Lord requires us to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God. On the other side of fairness lies grace, equally under God's prerogative. In Luke 7:40-47, Jesus teaches Simon the Pharisee through a parable of two debtors, showing that forgiveness and love are not distributed based on perceived fairness but on God's will, as the woman with many sins receives forgiveness for her great love. Comparing oneself to others or harboring an attitude of "it's not fair" is a vain pursuit, presuming to sit in God's seat of judgment. Instead, we are called to imitate God's fairness in our actions, not expecting it in return, while seeking His grace as sinners in need of forgiveness.

The notion of fairness, or the lack thereof, permeates our lives from childhood to adulthood, often breeding discontent. Children loudly protest when denied their desires, crying out that it's not fair, while teenagers and adults refine their expressions of displeasure over perceived injustices. This sentiment of unfairness traces back to the Garden of Eden, where Adam and Eve felt God was unjustly withholding the forbidden fruit, succumbing to discontent after satan's influence. Similarly, Elijah, in his despair, implied that God demanded too much, deeming it unfair to suffer further. Jonah, too, exhibited indignation over God's mercy toward Nineveh, finding it unbearable and unfair, even pleading for death when faced with additional discomfort. Throughout history, this perception of unfairness persists, contributing to societal issues like adultery, crime, and violence, as individuals justify wrongful actions by claiming life's inequities. In the Parable of the Talents, the servant with fewer talents harbored bitterness, producing nothing, while others accepted their responsibilities without complaint. Job, despite enduring unimaginable loss and suffering, refused to accuse God of unfairness, maintaining his faith and humility even when afflicted by satan's attacks. His response stands in stark contrast to the common human tendency to cry out against perceived injustice. Satan exploits our vulnerabilities, filling our minds with thoughts of inequity when we question God's sovereign will, aiming to turn us away from Him. Despite satan's own creation as a being of beauty and perfection, his pride led to cancerous discontent, a warning for us to guard against similar corruption. As we navigate a world influenced by satan's false notions of fairness, we must anticipate life's frequent unfairness, focusing not on immediate losses or gains, but on God's promises for our future, finding contentment within His plan.

In this world, it is easy to feel discriminated against, as feelings of being taken advantage of or used often drive our reactions. We voice complaints like the law is not fair, the judge is biased, or the police are prejudiced. This nation was born in an atmosphere charged with feelings of discrimination by the Crown in Britain, and its citizens seem almost constantly aggrieved by perceived inequality in their lives. Inequality is something Americans are quick to notice, despite leadership striving for equality. However, true equality remains elusive, as it is a matter of the heart, breeding intolerance and discrimination. Feelings of inequality can bear fruit in hatred, contentions, rivalries, jealousies, wrath, selfish ambition, dissension, and heresies. As history progresses, being able to endure discrimination must be anticipated, as it is already occurring and intensifying. We must accept that, to a carnal mind, even God's actions may appear unequal, as circumstances and His wisdom in our lives or others' may seem unfair. Christians will face increasing hatred and unfair discrimination in the future, often simply for being Christ's followers. Equality in this world will remain an unrealized dream, and we must accept this as part of the cost of our faithfulness to Him.