About the Prodigal Son.
1. Wrong Attitude—Right Attitude
The Prodigal Son had the wrong attitude…it was a me-me…it’s all about me attitude. Selfishness is a sin and certainly will never endear you to others or draw people with character into your life.
You need the right attitude.
Philippians 2:5 in the New Living Translation says:
“You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.”
Now that you know the kind of attitude you’re suppose to have. . .how do you get it?
Ephesians 4:23 in the New Living Translation says:
“Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.”
2. Wrong Friends—Right Friends
The Prodigal Son didn’t really have friends. . .he had acquaintances who befriended him because of what he could do for them. When the money ran out so did they.
1 Corinthians 15:33 in the Amplified Bible says:
“Do not be so deceived and misled! Evil companionships (communion, associations) corrupt and deprave good manners and morals and character.”
1 Corinthians 15:33-35 in the New Century Version says:
“Do not be fooled: `Bad friends will ruin good habits.’ Come back to your right way of thinking and stop sinning. . .”
By your words and actions. . .you will draw like-minded people into your life. Make a determined effort to choose friends who can encourage, exhort and edify you in your most Holy faith.
3. Wrong Timing—Right Timing
The Prodigal Son wanted what he wanted when he wanted it. Sadly, we live in a day of instant gratification. But God’s people are held to a higher standard.
If the attendant at the fast food drive window takes too long, are we long-suffering or do we become indignant?
Proverbs 21:5 in the New Living Translation accurately points out there are no shortcuts to prosperity and/or success in life.
“Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.”
A little prior proper planning can precipitate positive progress and personal performance.
Right timing is a product of proper planning.
4. Wrong Place—Right Place
If you’re not where God wants you to be. . .then you’re in the wrong place and most certainly, at the wrong time.
Acts 1:7 in the Message Bible says:
“He told them, "You don't get to know the time. Timing is the Father's business. What you'll get is the Holy Spirit. And when the Holy Spirit comes on you, you will be able to be my witnesses in Jerusalem, all over Judea and Samaria, even to the ends of the world."
If you know God. . .you will know His timing.
Ecclesiastes 9:11in the New Century Version says:
“Here's something else I've seen on this earth. Races aren't always won by those who run fast. Battles aren't always won by those who are strong. Wise people don't always have plenty of food. Clever people aren't always wealthy. Those who have learned a lot aren't always favored. God controls the timing of every event. He also controls how things turn out.”
5. Wrong Spending—Right Spending
The Prodigal Son made the wrong choices when it came to spending the money entrusted to him. I covered this in the opening paragraphs of this teaching.
As a reminder, the Message Bible translation of Luke 15:13 says:
“There, undisciplined and dissipated, he wasted everything he had.”
Right spending is ALWAYS spirit-led. Never make major purchases without praying about it first. How you spend your money can either be a blessing or a curse in your life.
6. Wrong Lifestyle—Right Lifestyle
It’s real simple. . .if you spend your money on everything other than how God has directed. . .then you’ve chosen the wrong lifestyle. Your personal choices. . .your habits. . .will either become your addictions. . .or a testimony to you and the quality of your character.
1 John 2:16-17 in God’s WORD Translation sums it up when it says:
“Not everything that the world offers—physical gratification, greed, and extravagant lifestyles—comes from the Father. It comes from the world, and the world and its evil desires are passing away. But the person who does what God wants lives forever.”
Rather than choose the “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous” why not choose “The Lifestyles of the Blessed and Born-Again.”
7. Wrong Thinking—Right Thinking
Is it time for you to have a Prodigal Son experience? Is it time for you to come to your senses?
Luke 15:17-21 in the New Living Translation says:
“When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, ‘At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger!
When you come to your senses. . .when you’ve been guilty of wrong thinking. . . it’s time for you to come to your Father. Luke 15:18-19 in the New Living Translation says:
“I will go home to my father and say, “Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired servant.”’
Great things happen when Prodigals’ repent for wrong thinking and sinful actions. Luke 15:20 in the New Living Translation says:
“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.”
You’re welcomed with open arms. . .and no matter what you’ve done. . .you will hear the same words that were spoken in Luke 15:32 in the New Living Translation which says:
“We had to celebrate this happy day. For your brother was dead and has come back to life! He was lost, but now he is found!”
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