Scripture for Today: Matthew 20:15 “Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous.”
Whether it is pizza, cake or pie it is important to cut those pieces evenly! Those who get the larger pieces feel special but the one with that skinny piece may feel a bit slighted. If my hostess is the one doing the paying, the cutting and the serving I certainly cannot say anything. But I may fume inside with the thought, “It isn’t fair.”
Our verse for today comes from a parable Jesus told about workers who had come in early in the day. They had made a contract with their employer to work for a certain sum of money. Then at the very last hour of the day a second group begins work and they are paid the same amount. Understandably, the first group was unhappy. It is not fair. The employer reminds these disgruntled workers it is his money and he can be generous if he chooses.
It is not uncommon to have the same thoughts about God. It seems there are times He is generous with someone so much less deserving than ourselves. Perhaps we have worked harder and longer and feel we should be compensated differently. Rather than rejoice at the generous blessings given to another, we grumble that we deserve more. It is not fair.
I am so glad God does not listen to this. If I got what was fair I would be completely lost. The wages of my sin is death (Romans 6:23) and I cannot say I deserve anything else. Eternal life is not fair.
Thank you Lord, that Your grace is better than fair!