Matthew 20:15 Is it against the law for me to do what I want with my money? Should you be jealous because I am kind to others?’16.“So those who are last now will be first then, and those who are first will be last.”

Jesus tells the story of an employer who hires workers at the beginning of the day. He agrees to pay them a day’s wage for their service and their willingness to take the agreement testifies of their joy of receiving this arrangement. However, as the day goes by, the employer continues to hire more and more workers, even up to the last hours of the day. When payday comes, he pays all the people the same amount. This seems very unfair to those who started working in the early morning. The employer explains that his generosity towards some does not constitute a grievance towards the others.

Grace is not concerned with being fair. Grace is concerned with being generous. The workers hired at the beginning of the day were delighted to get the work. It was only as they compared their reward to others that jealousy arose. Remember that your reward from the Father is to be enjoyed and not compared. Only a heart of gratitude can truly appreciate the goodness of God in your life. Commit yourself to serving God today with gratitude and don’t compare your life to others. When a comparison is made, someone always loses.

Today’s Challenge: Serve God with thankfulness for the honor of serving Him and the rewards that flow from Him. Don’t let what others receive lessen your appreciation for what God is doing with you and for you.