| Men often think in terms of fairness, but how | | | | important. Creator reads the intent of the heart |
| does man's concept of fairness apply to Creator's | | | | and knows why we do, or don't do, certain things. |
| evaluation of righteousness? What is fair? | | | | One man may work in the church or synagogue |
| Apparently intent has a large part to play in this | | | | all his adult life. Another man may choose a high |
| concept of fairness and righteousness. Like the | | | | level spiritual walk of unconditional love without |
| story Jesus told about the three, five, seven, and | | | | judgment, and begin living that way just weeks |
| twelve men that this man of a vast estate hired. | | | | before he dies. Which man will receive the greater |
| Each group of men was hired at a different hour | | | | reward from our heavenly Father? |
| of the day, but each man was paid the same | | | | We have no way to know the answer to that |
| wage at the end of the work day. | | | | question because man cannot see into the heart. |
| The three who worked all day complained | | | | Only Creator knows and He will reward |
| because the twelve who only worked a short | | | | accordingly on our final Day of Judgment. We will |
| time received the same amount of pay, one | | | | be rewarded for our righteousness and good |
| penny. Yet, the employer responded that he had | | | | works that are produced from a loving, |
| paid each man according to what they had | | | | compassionate heart. Intent counts. |
| agreed on. | | | | So should we put off beginning to live |
| Every man intended to work the rest of the | | | | unconditional love until we are very old? Obviously |
| working day for one penny. The man of the vast | | | | not. Our life may end tomorrow for one thing. |
| estate intended to pay each man a penny at the | | | | Also, once we have experienced the wonderful |
| end of the day. All these intentions were fulfilled. | | | | freedom and the lightness of the burden when |
| This was fair in the eyes of the employer. Was it | | | | we choose to live the way of love, we will never |
| righteous? Apparently it was, because each man's | | | | want to live any other way. it is the most joyous |
| intentions were fulfilled. | | | | and exhilarating walk in the presence of our Lord, |
| In the area of righteousness, our intent is very | | | | available to man. |