Most of us would agree with those workers from today’s parable who worked in the vineyard all day but got paid exactly as those who worked only for an hour. This is not fair! The more you work, the more you earn. But in this case, all of these workers got paid exactly the same daily wage. Why? And here is a hint -- because the owner of the vineyard promised each of them the same payment for their work. See, God is the owner of the vineyard, and we are the workers. God didn’t promise you more than any other person, and He didn’t promise you any less. The prize is only one -- and it is eternal life in heaven. So, you may work all your life to get there. However, someone may only make a conversion and turn to God at the last minute of his or her life -- just like that criminal who was dying on the cross next to Jesus: ‘today you will be with me in paradise.’ For us, the more and longer we work, the more we get paid, but with God it is different -- the payment is only one. “What if I wish to give this last one 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?' Thus, the last will be first, and the first will be last.” Don’t compare yourself to others; just make sure you get paid.
