I worry about other people’s paychecks. Are they fair? Is the person being compensated in a way that reflects his or her contribution? Did they actually get paid according to the formula that we agreed to?
It would be a simple process if both of us could assume and believe that everyone received equal compensation for what they contributed. However, life does not work that way. First, the question of what is fair is never black and white. Probably the closest definition is that when you receive what you agreed to, only then it is fair. Second, one’s contribution keeps changing as time passes and opportunities materialize. On a good day one pay is always way below the level it should be. In contrast there are days when each of us contribute little to nothing! Third, compensation is never the whole story when it comes to how you and I get paid. Am I learning on the job? If so, that is part of my pay. The list continues.
My own sense is that there is little black and white about a person’s pay and total compensation. If the company is a good one then I do know that over time, “bad work gets paid with a bad check; good work gets solid pay.” (Proverbs 11.18) People are rewarded according to their merits. The caveat is that my statement only applies when the company is honorable, fair, and maximizing the abilities and contributions of their employees. Otherwise, all comments are off!
You see, our work and the activities that occur between us and our employer is just another key relationship in our life. Often, I think that I work for God. I do good things and he rewards me with eternal life and happiness. It is a good thing that life does not work this way!
God’s relationship with us is totally one sided. He gives, we receive. He offers, we accept. The irony is this; when we let God work hard through us, we experience the Divine. Now, that is a paycheck to keep!
