KEEPING SCORE
- Key Verse
- “When they received it, they grumbled at the landowner, saying, ‘These last men have worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden and the scorching heat of the day.’” (Matthew 20:11-12)
READ THE PASSAGE
Central Truth
Comparing ourselves to others gives us the wrong perspective of God’s provision and grace. In fact, His grace is so powerful and His mercy so far-reaching, that anyone—yes, anyone—who receives Him and believes in His name has the right to become a child of God (see John 1:12).
Reflections
Reading Jesus’ parable, I’m troubled by the attitude of the workers who grumbled against the landowner’s generosity toward others. I can almost hear them saying, “That’s NOT fair!”
Yet, it shines a light on my own tendency to keep score—one for me, one for you, two for me, two for you—just to be sure everything’s fair. As a child, it was as simple as making sure my brother didn’t get more dessert than I. As an adult, it’s more complicated. I have no control over my friends who got married when I wished that I was the one getting married or whether someone has a better job, newer car, or nicer home. This scorekeeping attitude has often left me grumbling with envy and feelings of entitlement.
It’s easy, especially in Dallas, to look at others and notice their “plenty” or feel disappointed by my perceived “lack.” But it’s frankly not true. As Americans, we are wealthier than 99% of the world. (The fact that you’re reading this is proof that you have access to technology, electricity, and freedom that much of the world’s population can’t imagine.) How quickly I forget God’s abundant provision for my material needs when I’m busy comparing myself to others.
God has been more than generous when it comes to my emotional and spiritual needs as well. Before I knew Jesus, I believed God owed me. I thought I was a good person, but I consistently turned my back on Him and went my own way. God’s Word says those who sin against Him deserve death (Romans 6:23). God owed me nothing. But Jesus paid the price, through His death on the cross, for ALL my past, present, and future sins, including envy. His grace and generosity provided me with a different eternity. Funny how I’m not grumbling for things to be “fair” when I’m the one being given a gift I don’t deserve.
Thank you, Lord, for the gentle reminder that Your generosity, toward me AND OTHERS, is not to be overlooked or undervalued.
Discussion Questions
1. In what areas of your life do you find yourself “keeping score” about God has or has not given you compared to what He’s given others?
2. Have you confessed these feelings to God and shared them with someone who can pray for you to gain a greater understanding of His grace and provision? If not, will you make an effort to do so today?
3. What attitude(s) do you easily spot in others that are highly irritating to you? Have you ever considered that you might also be guilty of having the same attitude(s)?
4. Have you received Christ’s free gift of salvation? If not, and you have questions, who do you know that can answer your questions?
FAMILY DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. What is grace? (A gift you don’t deserve.)
2. How did the landowner show “grace” to the workers?
3. How would you feel if you were the workers who worked all day? How about if you were one of the last ones hired?
4. How can you give grace to others the way God gives grace to you?
Lesley Johnson
March 12, 2010 05:33 AM
Hi Merritt...great reminders this morning, so good for me to hear and believe those sweet words. I love how God provides much more than I deserve!
Valerie Davis
March 12, 2010 06:50 AM
God's grace is truly amazing!! Thanks for the great devo. Praising God with you today!
Sheri
March 12, 2010 07:50 AM
Love the devo Merritt and your words on grace and generosity! Our God has an abundant supply of both of those! Glad the Lord got you to Texas as well my friend!(spoken by a native Okie :) Sheri
Karen
March 12, 2010 08:09 AM
I struggled with the same thing about fairness today! This passage made me realize how silly I was being(actually how petty). I changed my attitude and asked for forgiveness for being so petty. I need to work on, "the me factor". It's not all about me, it's about the lord and others in the world. God, I need your grace to show mercy towards others.
Susan Travis
March 12, 2010 08:24 AM
I loved seeing Merritt Onsa! :) Great message today. I am so hard-wired for fairness - thank you for reminding me of the right perspective. We are so rich and so blessed!
Whitney Kutch
March 12, 2010 08:37 AM
Hi Merritt, What a great biblical reminder "the grass isn't greener on the other side". And while I'm at it, I need to quit peering over the fence and tend to keeping my own grass fertilized and fruitful. Thank you, Merritt! Whhitney Thank you for this
Jonathan
March 12, 2010 08:38 AM
Thank you Merritt for your insight into today's word. I was a little confused on the meaning of Jesus' parable after first reading it, but your thought of our concern over what others have and our sense of entitlement resonated with me. Why do we worry about what others have instead glorifying Him for what He has given us, gifts we all too often take for granted. Thanks for the help in understanding!
Beth
March 12, 2010 09:14 AM
Thanks Merritt for sharing! so true how easy it is to compare and i find myself in that situation often. Comparison is a set up failure by nature. Someone always ends up having less. It's a never ending cycle of dissatisfaction and a desire for me or to be given what we feel we deserve. Thanks for the reminder of Christ's generosity! It will not be overlooked today! :)(nice seeing you this morning- so glad you were there with us!)
Andy Kerner
March 12, 2010 09:31 AM
Merritt - thanks for sharing such truth! Its not all about them -- its about me and my relationship with Christ. Andy
Marcy "Bama" Mernik
March 12, 2010 09:52 AM
Mrs. Onsa, you rock! Being a beach girl from the Gulf coast of Alabama, I laughed out loud about you "marrying a Yankee," because I can't imagine that for myself either. Y'all are so great together! And your insight and delivery of God's message today was so sweet and relevant as I get ready to sell my "fancy" car. Atta girl!
Merritt
March 12, 2010 10:55 AM
I love all the great comments and find I greatly needed this reminder today as well to check my heart and my perspective on God's grace and my view of HIS stuff, which He so generously allows me to steward on this earth. Great to hear from you all - thanks for the insight into how God is teaching you today!
Scott Kedersha
March 12, 2010 12:15 PM
Great job Merritt... definitely one of the most challenging passages in Matthew. Even though I didn't get 'hired' until the 3rd or 6th hour, I find myself relating to the first shift hires, grumbling that it's not fair, or I deserve more... Thanks for leading us through this passage today!
Doug
March 13, 2010 01:08 PM
Thanks for the important message that if all I have in life is salvation and hope in Christ, that is enough. God is fair in providing this gift to all who receive Him. If it were about receiving all kinds of material comforts in this present life, more people than not have missed out on God's blessings. But that's not the case, for His blessings are wrapped in His son, Jesus (Eph. 1)!
Bob Garst Jr.
April 30, 2010 06:12 PM
Through the prayers from the Watermark prayer group and thousands of paryers all of the country and world Connie Kykendoll's life was saved. God heard you and I want to thank you all. Paula Van Horton thank you for your card and prayers. Connie got well enought to have her leg removed and she made it! Her recovery is going very well and I thank you all and God for this miricle. Please pass this on to Paula.