Don’t Be A Grumbler
Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to the landowner who hired workers in the morning, then others in the afternoon, then yet more late in the day. He then proceeds to pay everyone equally even though some worked a few hours and some worked all day.
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Scripture:
“When they received it, they began to grumble against the landowner.” – Mathew 20:11
Observation/Application:
As they begin to grumble, the landowner answers them that he is not being unfair to them because he paid them the exact amount that they agreed to work for. The landowner tells them to take their pay and go, and that he has the right to do what he wants with his money. He then asks them, “are you envious because I am generous?”
Jesus uses this parable to address bad attitudes. When it comes down to it, it comes down to being thankful for everything that God has blessed us with. When we find ourselves struggling with thankfulness, we should read this parable. It reminds us to not compare our blessings with others. When we find ourselves comparing and complaining we should give ourselves a check-up from the neck-up. Have we lost sight of the fact that every blessing is a gift from God? Do we not eat every day? Do we not sleep with a roof over our head? Are we roaming without any human relationships?
The kingdom of heaven is built on God’s grace, so we should not be mad when God decides to bless others. Grace is about undeserved blessing. God can do what He wants with His money and gifts since it is all His anyway. Are we so self-absorbed that we focus on ourselves rather than on God and what He might be doing? It might be hard for some to understand, but there is more going on in the kingdom of God than what he is doing with us.
Focusing on God helps make our attitudes our allies. It gives us the proper perspective and mindset. It makes our Spirit right within us, and gives us a true appreciation for all that we have. Then we can live with true joy, in true peace, and true love for one another.
Prayer:
Dear heavenly Father, thank you for your Word today. Help us to focus on You more each day Lord. Help us to realize all that you have done for us. Help us to appreciate our blessings, and to not take anything for granted. Help us to realize that You are at work on our behalf even when we don’t see it Lord, and even when it seems like just the opposite. Help us to put our trust in You Lord, and to focus on You, and know that You are always faithful to those who love You. Help us to seek You first Lord, and put You first in everything that we do. Help us to remain focused on Your Will and Your calling in our lives. Help us to bounce everything off the Word of God. Let Your Word lead us, and guide our every action, our every thought, and every Word from our lips. Keep us from temptation and the attacks of the attacks of the enemy. Let us walk in Your Presence all throughout the day. Refresh us, renew us, and restore to us the joy of your salvation. Fill us with your Holy Spirit. We give you honor and glory and praise, in Jesus mighty name. Amen.
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