FAITH CONNECTION – FARMERSVILLE UMC
Ministry Updates for Tuesday, July 21st, 2020
Matthew 20:8 – When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his manager, ‘Call the laborers and give them their pay, beginning with the last and then going to the first.’ When those hired about five o’clock came, each of them received the usual daily wage.
Reflection – Is God Taking Care of You?
In Jesus’ parable that we shared Sunday (Matthew 20:1-16), the laborers who only worked a few hours were generously paid a full day’s wage. Regardless of how long they worked, they still had bills to pay and mouths to feed. Jesus said this is what the kingdom of heaven is like.
It is easy to cast our eye to our neighbor and see that maybe they have a better ‘deal’ than we do. Maybe they are making more money doing the same job. Maybe they received a large inheritance and we are just getting by. Maybe we are working harder in this pandemic and they are collecting unemployment. Is that worth fretting over?
In Jesus’ parable, the people who worked all day received the same amount as those who worked an hour. Understandably they were upset. It was not fair. I know people who have let perceived inequities eat at their soul. And while I believe God wants us to actively address social injustices, such as wage disparity between genders or races, God does not lose sight of the fundamentals. God makes sure everyone can get through the day.
Whenever life seems unfair or is clearly unfair, I can dissipate the negativity by refocusing on what I really need, taking solace in God’s care for me. There have been plenty of times when my life could have been better. But there was always enough, if not plenty, in every day. God always takes care of me.
Prayer
God who is generous, God who loves us, we give you thanks for the daily care you give us, for our daily bread, for forgiveness we receive and give, for people who love us and who we get to love back. Give us the courage to challenge inequities in this world. But above that, help us always be aware you are taking care of us, and for any who truly struggle, and that your justice will ultimately prevail. Amen.