Today’s Gospel (Matthew 20:1-16) features the laborers and a landowner who pays everyone the same wage. Whether you worked an hour or a full shift, you got the full amount.
When a worker protests, the owner tells him, with a big “I’m the Boss” sign, “I can do whatever I want.” I imagine the workers walked away. Half were delighted, the others upset.
Sound familiar?
You might not grumble about your pay but too often, but we often are tempted to complain about others’ accolades. Why did she get the award? Why are his books selling so well? Why is he the new pastor? How did she ever get that job?
This is dangerous. It marries envy with pride, producing a nasty kid.
The better portion is to be led. Led by Christ and focusing on being a faithful disciple. Led to serve and not be rewarded. Led and being content with that.
When a worker protests, the owner tells him, with a big “I’m the Boss” sign, “I can do whatever I want.” I imagine the workers walked away. Half were delighted, the others upset.
Sound familiar?
You might not grumble about your pay but too often, but we often are tempted to complain about others’ accolades. Why did she get the award? Why are his books selling so well? Why is he the new pastor? How did she ever get that job?
This is dangerous. It marries envy with pride, producing a nasty kid.
The better portion is to be led. Led by Christ and focusing on being a faithful disciple. Led to serve and not be rewarded. Led and being content with that.