'These men who were hired last worked only one hour,' they said, 'and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the work and the heat of the day.'  Matthew 20:12 

 

In this parable, five different groups of workers are hired. The first group complains when those who work only the last hour get paid the same wages as themselves. These are performance-based Christians. They think because they avoid certain sins, God’s getting a good deal. Instead of rejoicing with those who come late to the Kingdom, they’re resentful. They’re easy to spot because they have three characteristics: (1) A complaining spirit. They overlook the good, magnify the bad, and seek out people who agree with them. They have a complaining spirit and it’s deadly; it kills churches and hearts! What’s the cure? Continual gratitude for what God has already done, and is still doing. (2) A resentful spirit. Instead of resting in God’s grace, they act like duty-bound soldier conscripts, not volunteers. They struggle constantly for God’s approval, never seem to measure up, and their hostility prevents them from experiencing joy. However, the moment they begin to reflect on God’s love for them, their resentment begins to ease. (3) A judgmental spirit. ‘It’s not fair,’ they think. ‘I did the work and they get the credit!’ They forget that God dispenses gifts, not wages. He doesn’t ‘repay us according to our iniquities’ (Psalm 103:10), but lavishes us with love and mercy. So who are these grace-based Christians?  Latecomers with no contracts or guarantees; their relationship with God is based solely on grace. They’re happy with whatever He’s offering, humbled by His goodness, and motivated to work by overwhelming gratitude. So, which are you - performance-based or grace-based?