saying, ‘These last men have worked only one hour, and you made them equal to us who have borne the burden and the heat of the day.’
Matthew 20:12 NKJV
The laborers who were hired first received exactly what they were promised. They certainly seemed happy with the agreement when the deal was made. But now they are unhappy and complaining about what they received. What changed?
Comparison.
Comparison has a way of creating unhappiness, discontent and even complaining. And not just comparing of realities, even comparing in perspective. If I perceive that someone has somehow received a better deal than me - it doesn’t matter if it’s real or not - my comparison bells start going off and I become indignant.
Comparison also makes it impossible for me to be happy for someone else. These people in the parable should have celebrated the good fortune of the later workers. But they couldn’t, because of comparison.
Comparison is nothing more than a lying thief that will steal my joy if I let it.
Jesus, Help me to celebrate the good fortune of others without selfish agenda. Amen.
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