Jesus tells the story of a farmer who hires workers early in the morning and agrees to pay them a days wage. The farmer then hires some more workers later in the day and agrees to pay them a full days wage. Near the end of the day the farmer goes out and hires the last of those who are willing to work and agrees to pay them a full days wage. The workers who worked all day are upset that those who only worked an hour or two are receiving an equal pay. The farmer says, “Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?”
I have to admit that I am often envious that Jesus is generous. It does not seem fair that a person who has done great evil can receive forgiveness just as easily as someone who has, for the most part, lived a morally good life. It does not seem fair that one person can commit their whole life to being Christ’s disciple and another person can have a nominal relationship with Christ and both wind up in heaven. I am envious because there is a whole lot of sin that I would like to do.
But I also realize the benefits of not sinning. I get to lead a balanced life. I get to lay all my trouble and anxiety on God’s shoulders. I get the incredible joy of helping others discover Jesus. I get the fulfillment of being a part of God’s kingdom on earth. No sin is more rewarding than being with, working for, and worshiping God. When I am envious of think of my relationship with Jesus and realize that those without Jesus are envious of what I have.
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