No Bible? Click the Scripture reference to read online.
Pastor Bonnie revealed the ungrateful nature and self-centered attitude of the workers hired early in the day, the ones who agreed to work for a day's wage. They complained when they received their wages, because the workers who worked a much shorter time got the same pay they did.
Does this seem fair to you? Does it make you want to complain?
The Master answered these grumblers with truth:
"Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius?
Take what belongs to you and go. I choose to give to this last worker as I give to you.
Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me?
Or do you begrudge my generosity?"
Matthew 20:13-15 ESV
The Master can do whatever He wants with what He has. He can be as generous as He wants with whom He wants.
The fact that we complain when we perceive things as unfair, reveals a heart begrudging His generosity. It's good when He is generous with us, but not so great when we are on the short end of the stick.
A heart that complains does need to learn gratitude, but I also think it needs to learn to trust God in all He allows and in all He blesses with His grace. Because He is the Master, not only of the vineyard but of the entire world.
"I will make my goodness pass before you
and will proclaim before you my name 'The Lord.'
And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious,
and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy. ..."
Exodus 33:19 ESV
Do you begrudge His generosity?
Take it to Him. Ask Him to reveal the bitter root taking hold of your heart. Ask Him to remove whatever keeps you from an attitude of gratitude whether His favor pours out in your life or on that of another.
Lord, help me to recognize Your generosity as a joyful and good thing no matter who You are blessing. Fill me with the faith to trust You with whatever You choose to give. May I overflow with thanksgiving and grateful praise!
Carol Weaver
No comments:
Post a Comment