A Hard Lesson

 

Image by James Chan from Pixabay 

I’ve read the parable of the generous employer in Matthew 20:1-16 several times. I empathize with the men who grumbled about the unfairness of being paid the same for working all day compared to laborers who worked only one hour.

In trying to understand Jesus’ point about God’s generosity, I equated it to the Good Thief. He repented only hours before his death and gained a place in heaven with Jesus, the same as those of us who have been practicing our faith longer. Rather than jealousy, I rejoice in knowing God will give me the same compassion.

However, Paul Pennick stated in Living Faith, Jesus had something else in mind with this parable. “This is a lesson on coveting someone else’s good fortune.”

I don’t begrudge financial aid to the disabled, the unemployed, or the ill. They are unable to work. But it still galls me that those who are able, have the opportunity, and still refuse to work receive the same benefits as those who work long, hard hours.

The fact the last laborers lingered in the marketplace at such a late hour only because no one had hired them, mollifies my sense of fairness, somewhat.   

With that in mind, I need to remember God sees into our hearts and gives us what we need according to His wisdom, not ours. If He blesses someone with what I think is more than they deserve, who am I to question His generosity? I certainly haven't earned all the blessings He's given me. 

Dear Lord, help me rejoice in another’s good fortune, even if it seems unfair. Amen.  

Money, Money, Money

For the first time in my life, I feel wealthy. I know the few thousand we garnered after selling our home is not real wealth, but it sure feels like it. For the first time in my adult life I need not count every penny, or wonder if I can buy toothpaste before payday.

However, it’s a fleeting security. I am only one disaster away from losing it all.

But, I am not worried, nor am I fretting. God has rescued me from financial catastrophes, health crises, and other troubles when there didn’t seem to be a way. Why should He stop now? It is Him I need to trust, not a savings account. Yet, it could be easy to fixate on that number, coveting it above all other things.

People often misquote St. Paul. He did not say money is the root of all evil. In 1 Timothy 6:10 he states, “For the desire of money is the root of all evils; which some coveting have erred from the faith and have entangled themselves in many sorrows.”

Psalm 48:7,8,11-12 continues with this: “They that trust in their own strength and glory in the multitude of their riches, no -brother can redeem... And they shall leave their riches to strangers...”

I want to be a good steward of the abundance God has blessed me with, but I will not become attached to it, at least I am praying I don’t. I need to trust The Provider and not that which He provided. It is an object no one should worship, hoard, or covet. Those are the sins of wealth St. Paul warns against. 

Diamonds are not a girl’s best friend. God is.