Working For The Lord
For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard. And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard. And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace, And said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way. Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise. And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle? (Matthew 20:1-6)
Thought For Today:
The economy is the focus of the upcoming presidential election, with many discussions about people being out of work. However, it's unclear whether they are truly unemployed or if they simply don't want to work. It's possible that they are out of work because they don't want to work where jobs are being offered or the pay isn't sufficient. Jesus once shared a parable about a man who hired laborers to work in his vineyard. All the workers were offered the same wage, and none were selected to receive greater compensation than the others. The point of this parable is not about money, but rather, it's about everyone being equal in God's kingdom and working together to seek and save the lost, regardless of the monetary compensation. Many people refuse to work in the kingdom of God because they believe there is no financial gain to be had. However, working in God's kingdom is not about monetary value; it's about spiritual value. When you devote yourself to God's work, He provides for all your spiritual and physical needs. You will never have to worry about lacking anything. As David said, "I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread" (Psalms 37:25). Paul instructed the church at Thessalonica to follow him and his companions as they had behaved properly among them. They did not accept any free food but worked hard day and night to avoid being a burden on anyone. They did this not because they lacked the authority to accept help, but to set an example for others to follow. Paul also commanded that anyone who refuses to work should not be given food. Apparently, there were some among them who were idle and not working, but were instead busybodies. Paul urged them to work quietly and earn their own living. He encouraged the brethren to continue doing good and not lose heart. He warned that anyone who disobeys this instruction should be noted and avoided, so that they may be ashamed.
