The Prodigal Son's Older Brother Takes The Spotlight
We have probably heard about the parable of the prodigal son who demanded his share of the family be given to him.
When he became penniless after his mindless, wasteful and wildly lavish lifestyle, he came back home nevertheless, and was accepted without hesitation, was shown love without reservation, and was celebrated without limitation by his most loving and forgiving father.
Outburst
Now, this would have been just swell, if the story ended right there. Sadly not, however. For the older brother arrived home from work and rained on the prodigal son's parade.
He could not contain his jealousness, hence the protest and outburst.
It turns out that the older brother has been harboring a detrimental mindset as well. He convinces himself to serve his father to be acknowledged as the better child but not because it is the right thing to do.
He serves for merit! He shows obedience for recognition! He does all this not for his love of his father but for his love of his own self!
Virtue
Unfortunately, God doesn't take delight in this pretense nor in any self-serving acts. King David knew this. He was a man after God's own heart and he knew that God tests the heart and takes pleasure in integrity.
In Matthew 23, Jesus condemns those hypocrites who boldly profess that they obey the law to the letter but are actually self-serving, self-indulgent, and self-seeking within.
Therefore, if we truly are after God's own Heart, then we must practice unwavering integrity- every day! It is a crucial virtue we must possess to be able to know and serve God.
Not to mention the respect you'll earn as a person of integrity. For this virtue is most sought for, highly regarded, and prestigiously esteemed.
Let’s get connected. Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.
When he became penniless after his mindless, wasteful and wildly lavish lifestyle, he came back home nevertheless, and was accepted without hesitation, was shown love without reservation, and was celebrated without limitation by his most loving and forgiving father.
Outburst
Now, this would have been just swell, if the story ended right there. Sadly not, however. For the older brother arrived home from work and rained on the prodigal son's parade.
He could not contain his jealousness, hence the protest and outburst.
It turns out that the older brother has been harboring a detrimental mindset as well. He convinces himself to serve his father to be acknowledged as the better child but not because it is the right thing to do.
He serves for merit! He shows obedience for recognition! He does all this not for his love of his father but for his love of his own self!
Virtue
Unfortunately, God doesn't take delight in this pretense nor in any self-serving acts. King David knew this. He was a man after God's own heart and he knew that God tests the heart and takes pleasure in integrity.
In Matthew 23, Jesus condemns those hypocrites who boldly profess that they obey the law to the letter but are actually self-serving, self-indulgent, and self-seeking within.
Therefore, if we truly are after God's own Heart, then we must practice unwavering integrity- every day! It is a crucial virtue we must possess to be able to know and serve God.
Not to mention the respect you'll earn as a person of integrity. For this virtue is most sought for, highly regarded, and prestigiously esteemed.
For jealousy [is] the rage of a man: therefore he will not spare in the day of vengeance. Proverbs 6:34
Let’s get connected. Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.
