Unique or Equal - By Jerry Black

Jennifer Hester |

Ever had a child or grandchild say “Well, that’s not fair!”? We’ve all probably heard a lot of adults say this too. It’s almost like its hardwired into our thinking. It’s kind of like two year olds who very early on have learned to say “Mine” or “No.” The world tends to impress this thinking into our minds very early on. “Mine” can be a very seductive lie. A steward doesn’t own anything – he or she manages it well because it belongs to somebody else. This isn’t everyday thinking. This is where the “fairness” “doctrine” aspects of this comes into play. When we or others think it’s ours or “mine” we make decisions differently. Sometimes what’s “ours” is thought of by family members as “theirs” too. Isn’t that the fair thing? Consequently, when we consider the transfer decisions of our stuff when we die we think we should do the “fair” thing. I don’t know about you but when I was growing up I was taught I better learn quickly that nothing is fair. Sure seems to me that in God’s sovereignty he chose to create us all in His image yet we all are uniquely different. He loves us all equally too. But does love equality always equate to fairness? So, God loves us equally but treats us uniquely. This has profound implications for our “estate planning” decisions. Will your children or grandchildren think of your decisions as “not fair?” Gives us a call to discuss further.