Fairness VIII (SA)

For you need endurance . . . 

 - From Hebrews 10

In a perfect world, that is totally just and equitable, there is nothing to endure. If our fairness was made into perfection, it would probably mean that we had even invented a cure for death, and that we also discovered the secret to resurrecting all who ever lived. 

Imagine all of history's characters being revived into a perfect world that is perfectly fair! Even the most notorious criminals of all time would be given a second chance. But in the perfectly fair arrangement, there would never be any budding resentment that grows into evil. 

The World of Fairness Perfection would render selfishness an impossibility. You cannot be fair if you have even a sliver of self-interest. You would ensure that everyone with whom you come into contact ended up with equal chances and opportunities as you yourself have. And your proof would be outcomes for all, that are equal. 

Your other proof would be a sense of consensus win-win for everybody. It would be impossible for any one to disagree with our approach. Every viewpoint would be honored. Yes . . . a person desiring fairness must not deny others a viewpoint that is different than their own. 

The perfect world is a happy place where no one cries, no one hurts, no one wants, and no one dies. 

But . . . 

If this were something to be expected in this life . . . why would the writer of Hebrews urge us to "endure" anything?

Scripture (and all great world religions and philosophies) place a premium on such virtues as steadfastness, endurance, patience, forbearance, faith. 

God seems way more interested in us dealing with hardship, than He does with us establishing governments that enforce a level playing field. 

Now, it is very important that our government be neutral, and that it protect the weak. No question. 

But when it comes to our personal approach to things, it would be good if we restored the emphasis on patience, and actually welcoming experiences that shape us and toughen us up. 

I believe that our status in the eternal realm is enhanced, if we have had to endure conditions that are not fair. And the perfectly fair world that I described sounds rather boring, to be honest. I am looking forward to it. I welcome it. 

But as we go about making the world a better place . . . can we NOT do so, at the expense of widening divisions and rancor between good people? Can we focus on our own personal practice of justice, without casting judgment on people that pursue it differently? Can we agree to work together on this?