Jan. 7th. 2010

Comparisons

Matthew 20:11-16 “ And on receiving it they grumbled at the master of the house, saying, 'These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.' But he replied to one of them, '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?' So the last will be first, and the first last."

I must admit that sometimes my life is lived in comparison to what others have achieved or accomplished. I have lived in the shadow of greater, more gifted, better looking, more capable and more talented pastors than myself. It's a difficult journey to discover that God does not judge us in comparison to others; He creates us to be unique unto Himself.

I have discovered that I am the one who does the comparison stuff. We all do. It goes like this. Why does that person get all the best stuff? Why does she have the best clothes or complexion or best husband? Who put them in charge? Perhaps you have seen in yourself some of the same tendencies to compare your life in light of the success or failures of others. The problem with this type of thinking is that it usually ends up in discontent and discouragement. I have very seldom rejoiced in what little I have in light of how much others have. In fact, the other is usually the case. I rejoice that I have more than others. Shame on me!

The beauty of this passage of scripture is that God does not judge on how much or little we produce but upon our willingness and faithfulness to do the work He is calling us to. His reward is the same according to what He has promised to do for us. That’s the rub. We often think that because we are not blessed in the same way, or with more than others, there must be something wrong with us. Philippians 4:12-13 says it well.

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

The hardest thing to do in life and especially in ministry is live in the beauty of what we have been created to do. Not in comparison but in companionship with those who are also called to bring about the Kingdom of God to the world God loves. Who cares who gets the glory! It all belongs to God.

So, my friends, get busy doing what God has called you to do. Amen.

Readings for today: Matthew chapters 19-21.