Morning Devotional 072725 "That's Not Fair"

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

July 28, 2025

Matthew 20:10-16

10 Now when those hired first came, they thought they would receive more. But each of them also received a denarion. 11 When they received it, they grumbled against the landowner, 12 ‘These who were hired last worked one hour, and they received the same pay as we did even though we had to work the whole day in the hot sun.’ 13 “But he replied to one of them, ‘Friend, I did you no wrong. Didn’t I agree to pay you a denarion? 14 Take what belongs to you and go. I want to give to this one who was hired last the same as I give to you. 15 Don’t I have the right to do what I want with what belongs to me? Or are you resentful because I’m generous?’ 16 So those who are last will be first. And those who are first will be last.”

Good Morning! Celebrate the day of the Lord!

“That’s Not Fair!” I’m sure we’ve all said, or at least thought, those words more than once in our lives. It is the common cry of children playing or spending time together. As soon as one child perceives that another child received more than they did, they play the “it’s not fair” card. 

If we spend our time comparing what we have to others, we are missing the point. Is it fair that another person has more ... (you fill in the blank) than you do? We think not! The more implied value we assign to what the other person has, the more envious we become of it. 

Think of two children sitting side by side coloring a picture. Imagine one child has 20 crayons, but the other person has only two. You will likely hear those infamous words. Even if two crayons meet your needs, or you wouldn’t use those other colors even if you had them. We want what we consider fair. 

How much is enough? I remember the Israelites in the desert who complained about the abundant manna that God provided each day for their nourishment. Each had enough, but somehow that wasn’t sufficient. Honestly, what would they have done with the excess? It would have been one more thing to haul with them on their long journey, and it makes sense that they then would have complained about the weight each had to bear. 

God promises to supply each with what they need. May we learn to focus on using the gifts we are given so that we fulfill God’s plan for our lives. 

Giving Lord, you bless us abundantly! Help us focus on and use what we have, rather than what others have. Thank you. We love you, Lord! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen

Thought for the day: Leave the judging to God!

Give thanks for your gifts!  Pastor Liz