Do you like competition? Do you compete in virtually everything you do? Do you want to finish first? Are you continually striving to be better than others? What if I told you, it was all in vain?
Many of us are competitors, even if not in the traditional sports sense. We compete to get ahead in this world. We compete to better our physical lives. We even compete in the church, seeking praise from others for our humbleness, piety, and love of Christ.
Jesus tells us there is no competition. Everyone will receive the inheritance of eternity with Him if we accept Him as our Lord and Savior. Every one of us will receive the crown of life. Jesus gives it to all who accept Him.
But that is not all we learn from the parable that ends with the verse below. We learn that we must accept all those He accepts. That can be difficult for us to do. Those of us who have lived a Christian life all our lives can find it very challenging to accept someone who receives Christ just before death. We may think it unfair.
Yet Jesus tells us He has accepted them, and we should, too. In fact, they may be placed before us! Rather than being disgruntled or sad, we are to be joyous and sing the praises of Christ for welcoming them into the kingdom. After all, when one sinner repents the angels of heaven rejoice (Luke 15:10).
Jesus does not live by the world’s rules. He lives by God’s rules. We are counseled not to live by the world’s rules, but to live by God’s rules. God’s rules are perfect. They are unchanging. They are to be our guidance throughout our lives.
I pray we all learn to live by God’s rules. I pray we give up living by the world’s rules. I pray each one of us accepts every person Christ accepts into His kingdom. Rejoice when a sinner repents. Rejoice when a soul is added to the kingdom of heaven. Sing with the angels. Obey God’s rules. Accept everyone Jesus accepts.
Matthew 20:16 “So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”
Marty Pressey 