When life is not Fair

 Read Matthew 20.

Possessions and positions are the human measures of success.  Achievement is rated by the more one attains and the higher a person is on the levels of leadership and influence.  God gave the Old Testament leader Samuel a very different perspective.  "For the LORD sees not as a man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7)

In chapter 19, when the wealthy young ruler, who considered himself strictly obedient, turned away from Jesus, the disciples began to wonder about their own status with God.  As Peter said, "We have left everything and followed you."  In response, Jesus said, "But many who are first will be last, and the last first."

To illustrate that concept, Jesus told the story of the laborers.  The owner of the vineyard hired groups of workers throughout the day.  But when he paid them all the same, the ones who worked the longest and the most began to complain.  Though they agreed to work for a specific rate, they protested that it was not fair for those who came later to receive the same pay.  There are several principles here that relate to every follower of Christ.

1. God is sovereign.
"Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me?"
God is the Owner of all things and all people.  Psalm 24:1-"The earth is the LORD's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein."
Jesus is not only the Creator, but He is the Controller of the universe. 
Colossians 1:17-"And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together."
The Holy Spirit chooses what spiritual gifts we receive in order to serve the Lord. 
1 Corinthians 12:11-"All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills."

2. God is generous.
"Or do you begrudge my generosity?"
The complainers not only thought what they received was unfair, but the driver of their protest was jealousy.  They did not like it when the master in essence gave late-comers the same.  However, in God's sovereignty, He also decides the ability to earn.  Deuteronomy 8:18-"You shall remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth."

3. God is just.
Since He owns it all and controls the distribution to individuals, God alone is the true judge of achievement.  Not everyone receives the same abilities.  Not everyone gets the same opportunities.  The true evaluation of our lives is not necessarily to be found in quantity or personal power, but in what we did with what God individually gave us. 
2 Corinthians 8:12-"For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have."

Comparing ourselves to others will inevitably lead us to question God's fairness.  Being grateful for the privilege to serve will motivate us to seize every opportunity and leave the reward to the pleasure of the Owner.