Reflections

Wednesday, August 23, 2017

Take what is yours and go. What if I wish to give the last the same as you? Or am I not free to do as I wish with my own money? Are you envious because I am generous?
(Mathew 20:14)

“Oh, look,” say the workers who were hired earlier. “That man worked only a few hours, and see how much he got? Wow, we’ll get more than he promised us.” They watch as the next group gets the same amount. “Well, that is strange. But surely we’ll get more. We worked all day.” But when their turn comes, they get the same. They would have been happy with that if the others had received less. Now, they grumble, feeling cheated. Greed and envy lead them to judge both the workers and the landowner.

In today’s business world, it would be unjust, indeed, to base wages on race, gender, or other prejudices. If one person gets a bonus or a promotion and another does not, the latter might feel slighted. We judge and compare, always on the lookout for any perceived slight. We might even say to you, Lord, “Why does that person have more blessings than I? Am I not as righteous? Look, everyone knows he is wicked, and yet he gets everything he wants. It isn’t fair.”

“Comparisons are odious.” I read that when my daughter was little and I wondered whether she was behind schedule or ahead of it. That quote helped to balance me.

Balance me now, when I am tempted to envy others, Lord. You have given me more than I need, more than I bargained for, and certainly more than I deserve. Others might have different gifts, but I have the ones that are right for me. Let me never cease to thank you. If I complain, remind me to take what I have and get on with life.

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