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"Then He said: 'A certain man had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.' So he divided to them his livelihood. And not many days after, the younger son gathered all together, journeyed to a far country, and there wasted his possessions with prodigal living.'"
(Luke 15:11-13)
This week, we will pick up our study of Dr. Charles Stanley's 30 Life Principles that he taught while serving as the pastor of the First Baptist Church in Atlanta, GA. I have been blessed and challenged in my walk with the Lord as a result of doing a deep dive into his teachings in this series. This Life Principle #17, "When Plans Turn to Ashes", was a sobering yet hopeful message that he preached. It was powerful, straightforward, direct, and so very needed today. It is the type of teaching that saves people's lives. Speaking the truth in love is still the best approach for pastors and teachers of the Bible. Messages full of grace and truth follow the example of Jesus who, John 1:14 says was "full of grace and truth."
As I listened to the message and took notes, I thought of people in my life who have gone down this path of the prodigal son. Some returned while others have not. To see what some have given up in the course of pursuing an addiction or a relationship is so sad. Like Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, they gave up far more than they got when they chose sin.
Stanley shared that some have little and are happy, but others have all sorts of things yet are not content; they have plenty, but they cannot figure out what they are missing. They think if they just have more, then they will be satisfied. I have witnessed this myself. I have seen decent people who are misguided pursue more and more stuff and go beyond the will of God only to find themselves more miserable and not happier at all.
What does it take to satisfy you? If you are living in the will of God, there is satisfaction. If you hunger and ache for more but it is not God's will, you will never be satisfied deep down inside. Pursuing things outside His will always leads to disappointment and disillusionment. If we seek His will His way, He will bless us with peace, contentment, and joy. Jesus said in Matthew 6:33: "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."
As we launch into this new year, let us learn from the example of the younger brother in Jesus' parable. When tempted to chase after what is not of God, let us resist that temptation every time. God's ways are not always easy, but they are absolutely the best path we can take.
I am praying for you now that you would make wise choices and make plans that will end in favor and blessings, not dust and ashes. The Lord loves you. He is for you. Turn to Him!
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