Character and the Prodigal

Each day that I walk with Christ, God is building my character for the next assignment.  Each small assignment is preparation for the next.

After ~24 years as a Christian, I don’t feel like I have built the character that I should have by now.  I am sure that some of my feelings of inadequacy stem from self-deprecation and focusing on all of my faults.  I also know that I have not developed the diligence to pursue anything with constancy, and I have not diligently pursued a relationship with God that would bring about lasting change in my character.  I have wasted many years on frivolous things, and I cannot get a single hour back.

Looking back at the wasted time, I clearly understand what Jesus was saying in Matthew 6:

Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth were moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heave, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Matthew 6:19-21

I have spent years pursuing frivolous things, and I can never get t hose years back.  I could easy waste a few more weeks wallowing in self-pity, mourning the time I have wasted.  No amount of self-pity will redeem the time.

Today I change courses.  I am coming home to say, “Father, I have sinned against heave and in your sight, and I am no longer worthy to be called your daughter.”  (Luke 15:21)  Today I begin to abide in Christ again (John 15:5).  Today I lose my life (Luke 9:24).  Today I choose to respond to God so that He can continue his work in me and once day, hopefully He will say to me, “well done, good and faithful servant.”  (Matthew 25:21).

Today the prodigal son comes home.

Tagged as: Christianity, Christianity for Seekers, Parable of the Prodigal Son, Religion and Spirituality