Complaining

Prayer:

Father help us to remember that you've given us everything, and to try to avoid the things that we want but don't need.

We've just read the parable of the workers in the vineyard, how the manager hired people at different hours of the day and paid them each one denarius. And of how those who had worked longer expected more, even though they had agreed to do the job for that specific amount.

What can we learn from this? (Jesus parables apply as much today as they did back then!)

1. There's those who did the work, got paid and complained. (Those who started work first)
2. There's those who worked part of the day and accepted their wages.
3. There's those who worked one hour and still got paid one day's wages.

What would we do if we were in each category? Assuming that we work at the task given us (Do we?) What would we do if we were in option a, b and c?

The reward we are offered is huge; eternal life. There's no way we're going to complain! Or are we? Do we look down on those who we feel don't do as much as we do? Or do we think we can't aspire to the reward of those who do do the work of the Lord?

It's interesting to note that the previous chapter (Matt 18) ends with Jesus talking about not seeking riches and power. And ends with the line "But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first." This parable is a continuation of that theme. What's even more interesting is that as soon as Jesus has finished it what do James, John and their mother come to ask? Only that they should have positions of pre-eminence over the other disciples!

We don't need power over others, only that we live in contentment with what God has given us and that we look forward to receiving the gift of eternal life for the work we have done in God's behalf.

To conclude these thoughts, read Paul's first letter to Timothy (1 Tim 6: 1-19). That's real riches.