Day 43: Kingdom Entitlement
“Life’s not fair.”
This is a phrase that I have been told countless times throughout my life, and I’m willing to bet you’ve heard it too. I used to bristle at those three words, convinced that there had to be a way to combat the unfairness of the world somehow. How true it is though, that life is not, never has been, and never will be fair. At times, this truth happens to benefit us, while at other times we find ourselves on the losing end of fairness. How are we to respond when we don’t receive what we believe we deserve? This concept is addressed in Matthew 20 in a parable about laborers in a vineyard.
Read Matthew 20:1-16
In summary, a vineyard owner chooses to pay the same wages to both the laborers who worked the entire day as well as those that worked just an hour at the end of the day. I don’t know about you, but if I were in the position of one of those that had worked the entire day, I would most likely feel unfairly compensated by the vineyard owner, as did the laborers in the parable. In response to the disgruntled workers, the owner asks, “…are you envious because I am generous?” (Matthew 20:15). What a great point this question makes. As the body of Christ, we are called to celebrate the Lord’s favor in the lives of others, not envy it.
The kingdom of heaven is for everyone! The amount of time we have spent following Jesus and the number of good works we have done in the name of God absolutely do not dictate His generosity. Neither long-term faithfulness nor diligent stewardship warrant a higher level of entitlement to the gifts of the Kingdom. An attitude of entitlement is what the parable mandates that we combat. And isn’t it so much more fun to walk in celebration of the blessings God gives others, rather than jealousy, anyway?
Question to Consider
In what situations do I find myself with feelings of jealousy or entitlement toward other Christians? How can I actively work to turn that into celebration?
Prayer
Help me to see the blessings that others receive through your eyes, and may I never grow bitter toward any member of the body of Christ. Change my heart, Jesus.
By Hannah Madsen, NU Student