This morning I read through Luke chapter 15 and really noticed one portion of this scripture: the other brother. Not the prodigal son, but the "good" son. The son that obeyed, did not stray, and generally did everything right (as far as we know anyway). Yet, this son lacked so much! When his brother finally came home from a life of sin and repented, the "good" son responded with such disdain! Here, read through this real quick:
“Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.’ But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, but he answered his father, ‘Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!’ And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’”
Luke 15:25-32 ESVOk, so I still have a great deal of life to live (I hope!), and I can't speak for everyone, but I often find myself in the place of the "good" son. I try to do my best (I'm a very people pleasing person...which is not always a good thing), I try to be a "good" person and friend, but so often I see myself stumbling when it comes to recognition. I think that I have the right definition of what should be done, who should get the credit, and find myself on a lonely pedestal of me. For real! Yes, there are situations where one ought to receive credit for work that has been completed, however when others are celebrated and being rejoiced in, as Christians we should be the first to join in! In fact we ought to be the best cheerleaders out there! Instead of saying, "Hey! I've been a "good" Christian for quite sometime now...I'm thinking that I ought to be praised a bit!" or, "I organized that Church event last month and gave money to this and this! How come ________ gets all this attention when they've been off partying!" even, "This person is new to this field, I could TOTALLY top there work, yet their little accomplishment is what everyone seems to recognize...DUMB!" Wow...talk about a 2 year old tantrum! And of course one may not say these things out loud (at least I hope not!), but they may be lingering thoughts or even slight cringes.
Whatever the case, I know as I read this passage I was, and am, challenged to become more humble. When someone returns to the faith, comes to faith for the first time, and especially within everyday life situations, we ought to deny ourselves (in the sense of not NEEDING others approval and honor), and encourage others. Build others up, pour out oneself upon others, challenge one another, celebrate with one another, grow with one another. Instead of wallowing in anger and disdain as the other brother did, we ought to be the best partiers out there (Side Note: 1 - don't take this analogy to far. 2 - partiers is not even a word.). ;)
Hopefully this post makes sense, as I must say it does not have a perfect direction or outline. This passage really challenged me in a number of ways, thus my mind was being pulled in a few different directions as I wrote (essentially I am asking you to forgive my poor organization of this post).
Have a wonderful day!
I loved this. Especially the "we ought to be the best partiers out there"! That is funny and so good.... we must party our successes! A nice slap on the back for a job well done is not always enough.
ReplyDeleteThough your organization is not perfect, (what is perfect anyway?) you get your point across loud and clear, Megs, and I enjoyed reading your thoughts. Thanks for sharing them.