There was a man who had two sons. ¹² The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. ¹³ “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. Luke 15:11-12

You read or hear about it in the news, church going people, or Christians, get caught up in immoral behavior; financial scandals, sexual abuse, adultery, just to name a few. For those who don’t attend church they question is being a “Christian” is really worth it; why go to church, and entertain becoming a Christian if all they do is live like the devil?

Today’s verse comes from a parable that Jesus told regarding the Prodigal Son, Luke 15:11-32. A man had two sons and they had everything they needed for life, a home, a job, and a father who loved them dearly and took care of their every needs. One day the younger son wanted his inheritance. Reluctantly, the father gave his son the money he asked for and the son left home and spent it all on wild living.

Why would a son leave everything good in his life for something that drained him financially? Why would a Christian leave everything he has to pursue something that would drain him spiritually?

The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? Jeremiah 17:9

I believe Jesus was trying to tell us that when you take your eyes off Him, you see the lure of the world and its momentary pleasures. No doubt, there are people who sit in church every Sunday, claiming to be Christians, who live under the blanket of God’s forgiveness, yet the lust of their eyes and their heart is still connected to the ways of the world. Not making excuses, but the Devil targets God’s children so they will carry the burden of guilt and make church going people look fake, leaving those who don’t have any part of church to ignore any thought of being a part of the Christian life.

If that is you, let me encourage you to stop listening to the bad news of the Christian life and share the good news of Jesus Christ. At the conclusion of the parable, the son is broke, and comes back to the father’s house, where he is greeted by his father with open arms. He admitted his wrongdoing and the father forgave him, welcoming him back into the family. Jesus Christ came to show us how to live, but also gave His life as payment for the sins of mankind. His love for mankind yields a forgiveness like no other. In return a child of God has the future expectation of Heaven.

No one is perfect, especially Christians. But when one of God’s children returns to Him spiritually broken, God restores them into His wonderful family. And He wants you to be a part of His family as well. Won’t you give God a moment of your time to really check out some of the most genuine people you’ll meet inside the walls of your local church. You’ll be blessed!