The Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard
The owner of a vineyard hired laborers to work in his vineyard and agreed with them to pay a certain wage. Later, the owner hired more laborers. When it came time to pay all the laborers the owner paid them all the same wage. The laborers that were hired first began to murmur and complain because they thought they should be paid more since they had
worked longer than the new hires.
The following is the owner's response to the murmurers:
He answered one of them, Friend, I haven’t been unfair! Didn’t you agree to work all day for the usual wage? Take your money and
go. I wanted to pay this last worker the same as you. Is it against the law for me to do what I want with my money? Should you be jealous because I am kind to others? So those who are last now will be first then, and those who are first will be last.
(Matthew 20:13-16,
NLT)
If you haven't figured this out yet, the Kingdom of Heaven does not operate the same way as our worldly system. The argument of the initial laborers would probably hold up in any of our current courts or labor arbitrations but it does not hold up in the Kingdom.
Our worldly system tends to elevate individuals. It encourages competition, getting to the front of the line, and reaching the top of the ladder. Our system, while it works well to motivate and encourage success and hard work, it does have some potential drawbacks. It does have a tendency to develop pride, arrogance, and aloofness in people unless they are really careful.
As you read the Word of God you
will see that God's heart and compassion is for the lost, for the unfortunate, for the sick, for the abused, for the underdog, for the last, etc. Don't get me wrong. God is for the successful and wealthy also, as long as they maintain a humble and compassionate heart for the less fortunate.
What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose
one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? (Luke 15:4)
Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. (Luke 15:10)
There is a unity, love, and respect in the Kingdom of Heaven that has no room for pride and arrogance. That is why the scriptures encourage all of us not to get too impressed with ourselves. That is why the scriptures tell us that true religion is to take care of the widows and orphans.
There is only one King in the Kingdom of Heaven and
His name is Jesus and when we see Him we will all fall at His feet. We will be humbled, so it might be smart to start practicing that humility now.
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