Is It Not Lawful for Me to Do What I Wish With My Own Things?

Is It Not Lawful for Me to Do What I Wish With My Own Things?

Jesus used several parables to show us what dwells in human nature. We need to learn from Him and hate all our sinful nature in order to have a place in the kingdom of heaven. For example, when we read the parable of the laborers who were brought in at different times, we clearly see what lies in the fallen nature of man. We compare ourselves to others and demand equal treatment. They could at least have been grateful for the opportunity to work in the Lord’s vineyard. If the workers who were hired last had received lower wages, there would have been no problem. But because it seemed good to the Master to pay everyone the same wage, without going lower than what he had agreed with the first workers, envy came up as well as all sorts of explanations to justify their discontent. Matt. 20:1-15. Then, it will be as James writes in Ch. 4:1-2: “Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war . . . .” God “makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” Matt. 5:45. The unrest that arises because we feel unfairly treated by others is often nothing more than envy, causing so much turmoil among people. Many conflicts among people are due to this demand for equal treatment, as seen from their own narrow perspective. The prodigal son’s older brother was offended because his father prepared a feast for his brother. He couldn’t manage to be glad as his father had asked him. Luke 15:32.

God gave Cain a powerful admonition when he was tempted with envy, but he wouldn’t listen. Envy got the better of him, and he killed his brother. “And the Lord respected Abel and his offering, but He did not respect Cain and his offering. And Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell. So the Lord said to Cain, ‘Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.’ Now Cain talked with Abel his brother; and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him.” Gen. 4:4-8.

“Take what is yours and go your way. I wish to give to this last man the same as to you.” Matt. 20:14.

We need to be thankful for everything we receive from God, and stop comparing our own situation with that of others. Satan, who is very cunning, actually tries to use our flesh to show us all the so-called injustice we are subjected to. We then become completely blind to all the goodness and grace we receive from God. Godliness with contentment is great gain. Complaints, demands on others and accusations should be far removed from us. “If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. . . . Now godliness with contentment is great gain.” 1 Tim. 6:3-6.

God is completely righteous, and He knows very well why He allows the one thing and the other in our lives.

Our Lord Jesus, understood this very well, and in His high priestly prayer, in the midst of His trials, He could say: “O righteous Father!” John 17:25. How good and comforting it is to know that our lives are directed by God’s perfect leading. Rom. 8:28. We can humble ourselves under His will, especially when we encounter trials: “Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.” 1 Pet. 4:19.