Workers in the Vineyard

Just got my variable bonus from my company on the Wed. This was a bonus paid out to employees based on our performance in the year that just passed. As such, some got higher bonuses and some got lower. I wasn't one of the higher ones...

Naturally, the first thought that came to my mind was "Why liddat?". I had worked hard this year, even stayed back a couple of nights to get things done, and also made efforts to do beyond what was expected of me. So why didn't I get it?

This (self-righteous) thought did not last very long as God reminded me of the parable of the workers in the vineyard (Matt 20:1-15).

The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard (Matt 20:1-15)

“For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. Now when he had agreed with the laborers for a denarius 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 to them, “You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right I will give you.” So they went. Again he went out about the sixth and the ninth hour, and did likewise. And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing idle, and said to them, “Why have you been standing here idle all day?” They said to him, “Because no one hired us.” He said to them, “You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right you will receive.”

“So when evening had come, the owner of the vineyard said to his steward, “Call the laborers and give them their wages, beginning with the last to the first.” And when those came who were hired about the eleventh hour, they each received a denarius. But when the first came, they supposed that they would receive more; and they likewise received each a denarius. And when they had received it, they complained against the landowner, saying, “These last men have worked only one hour, and you made them equal to us who have borne the burden and the heat of the day.” But he answered one of them and said, “Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? Take what is yours and go your way. I wish to give to this last man the same as to you. Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things? Or is your eye evil because I am good?”

Think many people would feel that they have been shortchanged when they see others treated better than themselves. But is this true? Do we consider if what's given to us as good enough for our side of our bargain?

One very important revelation I got from this parable is that when others are blessed more than you are, it doesn't mean that you are shortchanged. It doesn't matter when you started working in the vineyard, be glad to receive what is due to you! =)

My boss was so kind as to speak to us individually the next day to explain to us why we're getting the bonuses we are getting. He explained the circumstances that lead to the amount that I was getting. Apparently others have done better, so they received more. He also pointed out my weaknesses, and my strengths, and was going to help me develop myself in these areas. I'm so glad that I have a boss who's interested in our personal development and not just our skills.

I'm so glad that I wasn't bitter about the whole issue, because I got what I deserved, and this bonus is actually another denarius over the denarius that I was promised. It doesn't matter if others had gotten extra, I am contented.

But one thing for sure, I'm not going to be slack, and I'll aim for the 2 extra denarius next time round! =)

And remain in the same house, eating and drinking such things as they give, for the laborer is worthy of his wages. Do not go from house to house. (Luke 10:7, NKJV)