Overlooked

September 6, 2006

By William E. Richardson

“ ‘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’ ” (Matthew 20:12, NKJV).

If you’ve ever felt underappreciated because the job promotion or the solo in the choir went to someone else, you’re standing in line with a lot of people. It’s a long line. A line of people who’ve felt slighted. It winds through the centuries. Listen and you’ll hear a man complaining at the head of the line.

“I’ve served my father well all these years. I’ve never disobeyed him. Yet, when my brother ran off, squandered his part of the inheritance, and then came dragging home, Dad threw him a party. He even killed the fatted calf! What reward do I get for all my years of faithfulness? Nothing!”

Ah, the prodigal son’s brother. As far as we know, he was always true to the task. Long before and since the restless sibling fled with his share of the cash. To the best of our knowledge, this older brother rose early every morning and put in long days of labor and sweat, year in and year out. But, he received no festive celebration.

Was he right to be angry? Are any of us who are in the line? You may be at least as qualified, if not more so, than the one who received the recognition. You may have given exemplary service longer than the recipient. Your anger seems right. But there’s more to consider than hurt feelings.

It’s possible to focus so much on feeling mistreated that you see only a blurry picture. Like the prodigal’s brother. You’d think he’d be glad that his brother was still alive and had come to his senses. What’s more, it appears the brother doubted his father’s love. He seemed to see only himself.

At least three biblical truths can guide us when we feel overlooked.

First, your Christian perspective is out of focus if all you do is lament your loss. Sure, you’re sad at the disappointment. But the Bible tells us to actually be glad for that other person; it says to “rejoice with those who rejoice” (Romans 12:15).

The Bible also says not to weigh your mind down by comparing yourself with others. That’s an unwise practice (2 Corinthians 10:12). You and the other individual aren’t the same person. No comparison is fair.

The third helpful truth from God’s Word is that, as a Christian, you should do everything in life with the motivation to please God. Then when you aren’t the one chosen, all is not lost. You’ll be rewarded for faithful service. Some day when God gives out honors, He’ll reward you with greater promotions than you’ll ever receive here (Colossians 3:23,24).

Disappointment will come. When it does, it’s best to draw closer to God. Tell Him exactly how you feel. Remember, people here can’t give you any rewards of lasting value; only He can. Trust God’s timing. Then look forward to His better plan for you.

The Bible explains the source of promotion this way: “For exaltation comes neither from the east nor from the west nor from the south. But God is the Judge: He puts down one, and exalts another (Psalm 75:6,7).

God’s promotion will always turn out better than the one you thought got away.

William E. Richardson is senior pastor of Afton (Iowa) Assembly of God.