“So the last will be first, and the first will be last.” Matthew 20:16

Dear Jesus, This pithy little sentence levels the playing field for all humans. You spoke it at the end of your parable of the vineyard where people worked different hours but all got paid the same. Salvation depends on your decision not ours. It’s yours to give to whomever you wish and you offer it to all. The value of every soul has already been established. It’s worth your life. You bought each one. So, you do not consider it a waste to watch someone squander all their days but turn to you in the end. You aren’t happy with their wasted life. But you still want to save their soul. You will save even the latest to convert, just like you did the thief on the cross. Help me to value souls the same way and to not write anyone off as a lost cause. If their heart is beating, they still can be saved. So, make me respect everyone enough to give them an opportunity to hear your race presented clearly. You gave it all to make the most difference in their lives. Don’t let me get in the way of that with my silence. Amen.

A wasted life cannot disqualify a redeemed soul.