Matthew 20:10-16

“But he replied to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong; did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? Take what belongs to you and go; I choose to give to this last the same as I give to you.’” vss. 13-14

The laborers in the vineyard had not been treated unfairly. The owner had paid them the usual daily wage, exactly what had been agreed upon when they started working. They grumbled because the owner’s generosity with other workers had led them to believe that they would be getting more.

This parable points to a huge problem that people have had with kingdom living. While we gladly accept the gracious mercies of God for ourselves, we have an incredibly hard time believing that such love and mercy should be extended to those less deserving than ourselves. It just doesn’t seem fair that the same forgiveness should be offered to pedophiles as was given to Mother Theresa. 

If only we could learn to be content with what we are and what we have, and not even worry about what others get and have. But that is so hard! We’re forever measuring and comparing, so afraid that others are getting more than their due. And in the process we completely miss out on the joy of living. We have so much! Why do we even think we need more?

Thought for the Day: What is most likely to rob me of contentment?