We are all equally undeserving, and we are all equally given this gift of GRACE. Praise God that grace is “not fair”!
“But he answered one of them, ‘I am not being unfair to you, friend. Didn’t you agree to work for a denarius? Take your pay and go. I want to give the one who was hired last the same as I gave you. Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?’”
Matthew 20:13-15
There’s a line in a song by Relient K that goes “the beauty of grace is that it makes life not fair.”
I read this parable in Matthew 20:1-16 before I became a Christian. Back then, I thought, “How ridiculous! How unfair! The workers who did more work should be paid more!” I didn’t understand God’s grace. Moreover, I didn’t recognize myself: one who had grown up apart from God, and the one in the parable coming late!
If we received what’s “fair”, we would not like the result very much. In truth, when we ask for fairness, often we’re really asking for special treatment. The sins that others commit are often the very same ones that we’re hoping God will overlook.
Romans 5 says this: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Whether you have been a Christian all your life or only came to know the Lord very recently, God has graciously offered you so much more than you deserve: Eternal life spent in glorious relationship with Him. We are all equally undeserving, and we are all equally given this gift. Praise God that grace is “not fair”!
How has God blessed you lately that is far beyond what would be “fair”?
Father, the gift of Your Son is way more that I could ever deserve. Thank You for everything that You have blessed me with. Your Grace is sufficient for me. Whenever I feel as if I am getting the short end of the stick, help me to learn how to love like You. May the Spirit guide my thoughts and grant me wisdom. May I live my life in grateful surrender. Amen.
This week, intentionally give someone the “bigger slice of pie”. Offer the last seat on the bus, even if you got there first. Be patient with your friend who came late, even though you put effort into coming early. Thank God for the Grace that He has given to you, and extend it to those around you.
By Darren Hewer
Used by Permission
Further Reading
• Serving the Lord Wholeheartedly
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