God’s Pay Structure

“But he answered one of them, ‘Friend, I am not being unfair to you. Didn’t you agree to work for a denarius? Take your pay and go. I want to give the man who was hired last the same as I gave you. Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?’ So the last will be first, and the first will be last.” (Matthew 20:13-16)

This Parable is about salvation and how God’s salvation is open to all, even those who have come late to the party, like the Gentiles. God’s grace and mercy is the same for everyone.

But there is a hidden truth found in the last sentence; that in God’s kingdom all are equal, and if we think we have worked or served harder than others warranting a greater reward; then we are mistaken and will be disappointed.

It’s God’s kingdom and He is a just Judge, and it’s His right to give to whoever what He wills by His own standard, not ours. So if He wants to give those who come later and serve the same or greater amount than those who started a work, then it’s completely His prerogative.

This lesson was learned when after ten years of ministry, and taking a church through many difficult situations, most of which my seminary professors never heard about, all the while making less than other pastors of much smaller churches, and then experiencing someone with less experience taking over at twice the salary I made and what I had worked so hard to build.

But I realized that this was God’s ministry and not mine, and the Lord has always been faithful and would reward as is fitting and just. Not according to my standards, but His, which are always just and right.

When I think about it, I deserve little if anything; therefore I’m totally grateful for what the Lord has given.