Transformational Thought
Jesus taught the parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32. This young man really showed us the classic decision-making mentality that prevails, to some extent, in all of our lives today. And it sounds like this: “I don’t need authority or rules because it’s all about what I need and want … now!” Fess up! We’ve all been there, even in our adult life.
Deciding to set out on his own, the prodigal son arrogantly, disrespectfully and selfishly asked his father for his inheritance. And off he went. He proceeded to make more bad choices, squandering his money on wild living. Eventually, the money was gone and he hit rock bottom, feeding another man’s livestock. Even worse, he was so hungry that even the food he was feeding the pigs looked appetizing. He thought of home, where even his father’s servants were eating better than he was.
“I think I’ll return home and become one of my father’s servants,” he thought. “I now realize I don’t deserve more than that, but I believe he’ll hire me.” Several good decisions happened here: he admitted his error, stopped blaming others and, most importantly, faced up to and took responsibility for his actions.
When the young man approached his home, his father was actually waiting for him. When he saw his lost son coming home, he ran out to meet him with open arms, killed the fatted calf and celebrated his son’s homecoming with a huge party. This powerful message reveals God’s incredible yearning to be with us and to shower us with amazing love and limitless forgiveness.
Don’t we often ask God for our inheritance, our eternal salvation, other spiritual assets, grace and mercy, treating Him like Santa Claus, and then say, “Thanks, but I don’t need You anymore? I’m off to satisfy my needs, my way, on my timeline, with no regard for my future growth?” Like the prodigal’s father, God doesn’t force us to follow Him; He gives us free will. He hopes we choose to follow His instruction. And He is always waiting with forgiveness and open arms when we come to our senses.
Have you made some bad decisions, wandered off and squandered your inheritance, gifts, talents, blessings and opportunities—believing that your way was better than God’s? We all have. But don’t continue to wallow in the pig slop of your wrong decisions. Return to Him. Enjoy the contentment and celebration of letting Him be your Teacher, Counselor, Coach, Lord and, most importantly, Father who sacrificed His own Son to adopt you.
Today, you can run away with your inheritance toward one of the world’s many opportunities to do life your own way—apart from God. When you get that urge, STOP! Examine the costs. Sleep on it and run it by another person the next day. Pray, asking God for wisdom. Make the right choice to follow the stepping stones to your Heavenly Father and submit to His authority and guidance. Make good decisions, because either you live with their rewards or you reap the consequences of poor decisions. Whether you receive from God what He knows you need or you try to grab the feel good but empty lusts of your eyes, it’s your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, I’ve made so many mistakes. I’ve grabbed Your blessings and then run away from You so often. I am tired of running and experiencing all the frustrations of my poor choices. Whether by taking the extra doughnut, staying up late, having impure sexual thoughts or holding grudges, I know many of the things I’ve done have not pleased You, but I thank You so much for this assurance of Your love and forgiveness. Please forgive me and take me into Your loving arms. I need You Father; I need more of You. Sometimes the grass looks greener, but I know shortcuts are never worth it. Staying in Your care is always the best place for me. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the one who opened His arms on the cross for me, Jesus Christ. And all God’s children say AMEN!
The Truth
“So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him and kissed him.” Luke 15:20
