The workers who had been in the field all day were livid. But let’s reimagine a classic story. Let’s wonder what would have happened if they had the opposite reaction.
Jesus tells a story in Matthew 20:1-16 about some farm workers who were hired at the beginning of the work day to tend to a vineyard. A few hours later, others were hired. Still later there were more. Even at the end of the day the boss sent even more into the fields.
When it was time to receive their wages, the latest workers received a full day’s pay. Those who had been working all day started thinking that if those last hired got so much pay, their wages would be really high.
Nope. No matter when the worker started, they got the same pay. Those there all day complained that it wasn’t fair. The owner told them that it was his money and if he felt like being extra generous, they shouldn’t have a problem with that.
If we apply this today to today’s job market, most would agree with the workers. But as usual when Jesus tells a story it has a much deeper meaning.
There are believers who have spent nearly their entire lives doing their best to be faithful to God. Never perfect, but they have honestly made great efforts to love and serve God with all of their hearts and souls and mind and strength. Those Christians probably understand that if someone comes to faith late in life, even if they’ve lived a very ungodly life, they are to be welcomed with open arms.
But if a believer is less mature in their faith, they may grumble like the workers who spent all day in the fields.
Sounds a lot like the bad mood of the older brother in the Parable of the Prodigal Son [Luke 15:11-32].
Yet there are bonus perks for those who have been lifelong workers/believers. What if the workers who labored all day had a better attitude?
1. Those who have always tried to do their best usually have less complicated lives. They don’t have to spend extra time and energy cleaning up some of life’s most damaging messes.
2. They can live with less regret. Not no regret, because everyone makes mistakes. But the past does not haunt them as much as felt by those whose pasts are more problematic.
3. These believers have had more opportunities to serve in the Kingdom. If someone comes to God late in life, they can still do amazing things in service to their Lord. They may well wish they had started earlier, decades sooner, accomplishing even more.
4. They will enjoy greater satisfaction with a life well lived, knowing they have given their best, with added momentum to finish well.
Whining is very natural. We expect to be treated right. We rage when life isn’t fair. This is normal. But Christ has called his people to be better than normal.
Perhaps focusing on the upside of living a faithful life can calm those frustrations. Perhaps those who have lived faithfully can let their light shine so that others may see their good deeds and praise their Father in Heaven. [Matthew 5:16]
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Dave Soucie lives, serves and writes in Indianapolis.
Copyright © 2024 by Dave Soucie. All rights reserved [but permission is granted for non-commercial use only, with proper citation and by informing the author].
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