First or Last?

Whisper of God
“So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”
Matthew 20:16 NIV

Observation
Jesus makes this statement following the parable of the landowner who hires workers throughout the day, yet when the work is done they are all paid the same. Those who worked only an hour received the same as those who worked a full day. What a deal! Sign me up for an hours work too.
I've read this parable many times and this verse many times. I think I might have it all wrong. I have often let others go ahead of me. I must confess that in my pride I've thought that now I am in a position to receive even more of a reward from God because I was willing to be last. Oh goody I get to move to the front of the line in heaven right? Umm, I don't think so.
Don't get me wrong I don't think there is anything bad about being kind and letting others go ahead of you, but I better not do it thinking that somehow I will increase my reward.
Instead I think what God really wants is to be content with what He gives to me - now and in eternity. If God's generosity seems unfair to me then the problem is not with God. I need to examine my heart and week out the desire to be first or have the most. All I have is from God - period. That's the same for all of us, so let's stop comparing and just be content.

Real Life Application
As a pastor I'm going to be content to let God put me in line and not worry about other ministers who might be ahead of me or get more in attendance, recognition or even finances. I'm thankful to have just been chosen.

Day's Prayer
Lord Jesus, I confess my pride and desire to be first. Yes even in my pride I've at times taken the back seat thinking that it moved me ahead of others in your sight. Help me to be content with what you give to me, and even more empower me to rejoice in your generosity when others are put ahead of me even if in the thinking of the world it does not seem fair. I'm not asking you to be fair. I just thank You for including me in the line!