May 23: Insight Post by Michael Thayer

  -   May 23, 2025

God’s Kingdom Operates on Different Principles: Jesus teaches that the last will be first, and the first will be last. This demonstrates that God’s Kingdom operates on principles of grace, mercy, and humility, not the world’s standards of achievement or status. In God’s eyes, all are equally valuable.

Friday Verse

So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. 1 Peter 5:6 (NLT)

Friday Questions

How can I live by the principles of God’s Kingdom, putting others first and trusting in God’s timing and fairness? What steps can I take to live with humility and grace in my relationships?

Friday Insight Post
by Michael Thayer

Thank God that our God is generous.

On the first read, the parable of the workers in the vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16) appears unfair, even unjust. Why would those who only worked a fraction of the time receive the same benefit (pay) as those who worked 100% of the time? I see this as an expression of God’s incredible love for each of us. It is a love that (thankfully) is not based on our achievements, work, or deeds.  What is important is our willingness to answer the call, to be about His work, in appreciation of His abundant generosity.

My concordance for verse 15 of this passage notes, “It was not a matter of justice, but of generosity. God’s Kingdom operates on different principles.”

Friday Questions:  How can I live by the principles of God’s kingdom, putting others first and trusting in God’s timing and fairness? What steps can I take to live with humility and grace in my relationships?

God continues to humble me, especially as I walk through this season of job loss. He has helped me have more grace in my relationships. I realize that I can never know what is going on with someone behind the scenes – marital challenges, a serious health issue, a job loss – that can impact their mood and how they might interact with me and others. If someone is acting in a way that rubs me the wrong way, that is an opportunity to pass forward the grace God continually shows me.

I continue to work on humility and patience, as I wait on God to open doors to my next steps. Trusting in God’s timing–that’s a challenge for me.  It may be for you as well. But I know that God is good–He has shown me over and over (and over) again.

When I have conversations with others like me–those who have recently lost their jobs–before launching into my own concerns, I have the opportunity to put them first by listening and encouraging them. I have been reaching out to other job seekers to provide encouragement and tips on resources that have been helpful to me as I navigate this season.

I have many opportunities to share with others the generosity God has shown me, not based on how many hours I work but on His steadfast love for me, and for all of us.  Lord, help me to be reminded of this constantly.

Michael Thayer
Leadership Team Member

New Hope Church
Lorton, Virginia
www.newhope.org