Good morning. Let’s get started with Words of Encouragement regarding liberty and justice for all! As we look at justice, let’s take a look at how most view it.
Carmen has shared with me what her momma told her as she was growing up, “Life isn’t fair, get used to it.” So we ask things such as:
- Why didn’t I get that promotion?
- A: Life isn’t fair, get used to it.
- Why did they get the credit for that and I didn’t?
- A: Life isn’t fair, get used to it.
- How did they get by with that? I would never get by with doing that.”
- A: Life isn’t fair, get used to it.
- I’m overqualified?
- A: Life isn’t fair, get used to it.
- I’m not qualified enough?
- A: Life isn’t fair, get used to it.
- Why didn’t I get a new headset, a desktop camera, a new stapler, and a new laptop, and they did?
- A: Life isn’t fair, get used to it.
- And if you are a person of color, the list and challenges are even greater.
- And I’m sure you’ve been told, “Life isn’t fair, get used to it.”
- <<Add yours in the comments section below>>
- Whatever it is you add don’t forget, life isn’t fair so get used to it!
So where is the justice?
Micah 6:8
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
As a business owner you better have policies in place and you better not be making exceptions.
Justice can be a challenge for leadership as if leadership isn’t challenging enough in itself, especially in owning a business. But in any position as a leader (remember leadership is influence and we have influence at some level), being just and fair and to do it well and in a way that is pleasing to God is an increased challenge. ‘Fairness’ will continually be challenged and in our current society, it has become even more difficult.
As a leader of a business we are continually making decisions on hiring and firing, promotions, bonuses, as well as the direction of the business as a whole. So then we are continually confronted on the decisions we make. If not by everyone else, we even question ourselves on some of these difficult, or many times seemingly simple, decisions.
Your Decisions Could Cause You to Lose Your Hiney
You hold power over the lives of others that you influence, people that you lead. Decisions you make seem unavoidable in making someone unhappy, thus not being fair (at least in their eyes). This seems like an opportunity to share a story I heard from a Christian comedian from back in the 70’s/80’s, the story about the Donkey named Hiney:
There once was a grandfather and his grandson who lived at the very top of a mountain. The town was at the bottom of the mountain in the valley and it was an all day trip from the top to the bottom and vice versa.
The grandpa and boy had an old mule they named Hiney. He was an old mule and past his prime. So they had decided that when they had the sale in town on the first of the month they would take Hiney down and sell him.
Time to Take Our Hiney to Town
They woke up early in the morning the day before the sale and both began walking Hiney down the mountain to the town in the valley below.
As they walked they would pass by houses on the road of people who lived all along the mountain. When they passed one house there was a man outside having his morning coffee. He hollered at his wife inside and said, ”Look at those two silly fellas there. They are both walking that mule when one could be riding it.”
The grandfather overhearing what the neighbor said decided to put his grandson up on the mule. So now he was walking in front of the mule and the grandson was riding.
Then they passed a woman who was planting a flower bed. She said, “Look at that mean little boy up there riding on that mule and making his grandfather walk.” Overhearing this statement of objection, they decided to switch places with the grandfather riding and the grandson walking.
Then they passed another lady outside feeding her chickens and she said to her friend. “Look at that mean old man up there riding on that mule and making his grandson walk.” So once again, they were both walking.
Then they passed by the veterinarians office. The Vet doctor just happened to be outside looking at a guy’s horse. The Vet told the horse owner, “By the time those two get to town that old mule is going to be so worn out that it won’t be worth anything at the sale.”
People will Always Talk
Overhearing the vets disconcerting comment, the grandfather and grandson decided to begin carrying the mule on their shoulders, one in front and one in back.
Just then they came to a footbridge with a steep drop and as they were making their way across, one of them stepped on a slick spot. In slipping, they lost their balance and grip on Hiney, and over went Hiney plunging hundreds of feet to his death.
The moral of the story? If you try to please everyone, you will lose your Hiney every time!
The Golden Rule
It is no doubt difficult – making decisions that are affecting other’s lives. It’s a challenge trying to be wise and trying to be fair. And then doing that all the while being questioned by everyone you pass by. But also keep in mind all those being judged, like the old man and grandson, and how this impacts their everyday life.
- Treat people the way you want to be treated – the Golden Rule.
- Play by the rules – breaking the rules creates chaos.
- Think about how your actions will affect others – the ripple affect.
- Take Turns – the first shall be last.
- Tell the truth – lies create a web you will get caught in.
- Listen to people with an open mind – seek first to understand.
- Don’t blame – take responsibility.
Challenge for today: Those who seek and cry out to God to be fair, just and merciful to them (walking humbly with Jesus in your everyday-walkin’-around-kind-of-life) are more than likely to be fair, just and merciful to those around them.
