~ by Terry Walters
Matthew 20:1-16
When it comes to earning wages, we
are usually pretty biased in our own favor.
We don't like it when someone
makes more for doing less.
When someone hires on at the current
salary level and gets as much or more
than those of us who have been there longer,
we feel slighted or even unfairly treated.
Truth is, though, we are
being paid what we agreed to!
That's what happened at the vineyard
in this parable. People who
hired on at the end of the day got
the same amount as those who hired
on early and worked all day.
Those workers complained that it wasn't fair.
The owner pointed out that he paid
all the workers exactly what
was agreed upon - that is fair.
It only became a problem when someone
else got as much for less work.
The owner explained that it was his field
and his money. Shouldn't he be
allowed to do with them as he pleased?
Of course, he should. By the same
token, shouldn't God be able to
bless whomever He wants, however He wants?!
Of course, He should. Be careful
not to begrudge anyone of God's blessings.
None of us deserves heaven,
regardless of how long or how little time
we have been able to serve the Lord.
Heaven is a gift anyway! It would
be much better if we could just
rejoice when others get a blessing.
Prayer: Father, thank you so much
for all of your blessings.
Help us to truly be grateful.
And help us rejoice when others are blessed.
P.S. When I signed up to take Satellite TV
with Dish Network, I got the channels
and service that I asked for
and I agreed on the price.
After a few years with this service,
I noticed that new customers could
get a much better deal for the
first two years than what I had.
It bothered me that new customers
got a better deal than what I could get.
I have to admit though that
I got exactly what I had bargained for.
I may not like it, but it's fair.
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