“Friend, I didn’t cheat you. I paid you exactly what we agreed on. . . . What business is it of yours
if I want to pay them the same that I paid you? Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money?”
(Matthew 20:13-15a CEV).
When it looks like God’s blessing somebody in a way that he’s not blessing you, relax and trust God. Believe that he knows what’s
best for you, and trust him when life seems unfair.
One of the ways you can tell envy is creeping into your life is the language you use. If you find yourself using the phrase “It’s not
fair,” you’ve already fallen into the trap of envy. You say, “It’s not fair! Why them? Why not me? I’ve worked as hard
as they do.”
In Jesus’ parable of the vineyard workers, the workers felt that they were being treated unfairly, not because they weren’t paid what
they were promised but because other people who worked less were paid the same amount.
Matthew 20:12 says, “These last workers put in only one easy hour, and you just made them equal to us” (The Message). You can
hear the envy: “We slaved all day under a scorching sun. We’re better than them!”
Notice in the next verses the reply of the owner, who represents God: “Friend, I didn’t cheat you. I paid you exactly what we
agreed on. . . . What business is it of yours if I want to pay them the same that I paid you? Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my
own money?” (Matthew 20:13-15a CEV).
The bottom line on envy is this: When you’re envious, you’re in a battle with God. You doubt God’s goodness in your life. You
resent his decision to bless somebody else. You accuse him of being unfair. You don’t believe he has your best interest at heart. You accuse him
of playing favorites.
On the contrary, God’s extravagant, unconditional, unending love is the same for everyone. But he’s not a vending machine — you
can’t put in a prayer and get whatever you want. God has a good reason why you don’t have what you want. He knows you better than you know
yourself. Practice praying, “God, I’m going to trust that you have a unique plan for my life and that you know better than me what I need
right now.”
Envy is the fever. Doubting God is the infection. Any time you start envying, it’s because you doubt God. The medicine you need is to start
trusting again in God and his love for you.
PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick
>>
Talk It Over
- How does trust in God give you more confidence or clarity when you pray?
- How do you want to see God’s love reflected in your relationships?
- What are you trusting God for right now? How can you show him that you trust him for your provision and future?
