I Desire Inequality.

"The year was 2081, and everybody was finally equal. They weren't only equal before God and the law. They were equal every which way. Nobody was smarter than anybody else. Nobody was better looking than anybody else. Nobody was stronger or quicker than anybody else."

This is the opening paragraph of the short story "Harrison Bergeron" by Kurt Vonnegut.  When I first read those words I thought that it was a beautiful statement.  Equality has finally come.  Everyone, of every color, of every background, of every facet of difference, is finally treated the same in society.  But I now say this:  I do not want to live in a society of equality. I'm not talking about equality in relation to an oppressed group.  I think often we confuse justice with equality.  Most times in history when people want equality, what they're really desiring is justice.  Equality is, in fact, undesirable.

If true equality means that all become equal, then things must also be subtracted.  Giving rights to one group must also lead to taking rights from another.  In the story, ALL are equal in EVERY way.  Equality in this fictional world is achieved by taking away the outstanding characteristics of individuals.  A handicap is given to camouflage any good quality about anyone.  Beauty is masked, intelligence is hidden, and talent is concealed.

But let's be honest for a moment.  At one time or another haven't we all wished this upon someone else?  Even right here on this campus.  We see the remarkable qualities in others, and in the midst of our jealousy wish there was a way that we could strip them of their talents, of the things that make them them.  And why do we want this?  Because it will make us feel better about ourselves.  But they're too good.  People won't see me because they're obstructing the view.  I won't get my chance because they're in the way.  I think that we need to stop desiring equality and deal with our own jealousy.  Because after all, our worth only comes from one place: from the fact that we are made in the image and likeness of God.  Each in our own unique and individual ways.

Rejoice in other's victories. But realize that you will never be them, for you are you.  Celebrate your external inequalities; relish in the things that make you unique.  For in your inequalities, you are still equal in worth:  you're made in Christ's very own image.