Is it possible to live fear-free? Is that what faith is really all about? Or is faith the ability to live in trust despite our fears?
If we were to eliminate fear altogether, where is the ongoing need for faith? Where is our sense of dependence on God? The constant tension and struggle between fear and faith seems to be necessary for growth.
“When I’m afraid, I will trust in you,” say the words of the ancient prayer. And the when seems to be a significant part of the picture. We are going to be afraid. The key is to not let fear consume and control us. To not let it force us into creating worst case scenarios and spinning false narratives about ourselves, our loved ones, or others in our lives and world. Fear can either drive us to control, manipulation, and dysfunction (among other things) or it can drive us to Jesus.
When we start to think we are more deserving of the attention, affection, recognition, or renumeration that others are getting, we need to pay careful attention. Because we are falling into the trap of comparison, which never turns out well in terms of the kingdom.
On the one hand, we see people we don’t think we’re as good as, which makes us incredibly insecure. And on the other hand, we see people that we think we’re better than (sadly) but who are getting more recognition, affection, or renumeration than we are, which makes us frustrated, envious, and jealous. It’s a no-win game.
So, Jesus comes along and tells a story (Matthew 20:1-16) to show us what kingdom living is really all about. And the point of the story is this: In the kingdom of God the first are last and the last are first. Walking with God is not about jockeying and posturing, but about going to the back of the line. It’s about lifting others above ourselves. It’s about celebrating others, not competing or comparing. At the back of the line is where we will find Jesus.
So, try reading Matthew 20:1-16 and see where you find yourself in this story. Ask God what he wants to say to you about it. It might surprise you like it did me.
Lord Jesus, help us to know the beauty and the joy of making ourselves last, less, and least.
