Trailblazers: Forgive Selfish Prodigals

A man had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the estate that is coming to me.’ And so he divided his wealth between them. And not many days later, the younger son gathered everything together and went on a journey to a distant country, and there he squandered his estate in wild living.

Luke 15:11-13 (NASB)

The Parable of the Prodigal Son* is a story with layers of lessons. Consider a few:

  • Even wise parents can have foolish kids.

  • Foolish kids require the freedom to fail.

  • Even a “pigsty” can serve God's purpose.

  • The word “repentance” means “turning around.”

  • No kind of sin is too large to forgive.

  • No kind of place is too far to come home.

  • Well-behaved kids can be self-righteous.

  • Self-righteousness is failure in disguise.

I stand in awe of the father's actions. They reveal aspects of God's character. Consider a few:

  • He agreed to his son's selfish request.

  • He didn’t debate or condemn the move.

  • He allowed his son to learn the hard way.

  • He hoped and expected his son's return.

  • He ran to embrace him with open arms.

  • He forgave him unconditionally.

  • He restored his son’s status and birthrights.

  • His “obedient” son got the lecture.

Actors, models, and talent for Christ:

Since media is filled with prodigals, since it promotes a prodigal lifestyle, since many Christians don’t want to blaze trails, that walk and the outreach are up to YOU! You’re called to re-blaze your Captain’s trail NOW!

To any selfish prodigals you meet, be gentle and patient– without judgment. When they start walking in your direction, meet them with happiness and open arms.

NOTE: To self-righteous Christians who’ve never strayed, who can’t understand what you do (or why)… answer their grumbling with kind correction.

Love is the top, middle, and bottom line, and helps free them from their self-righteous shell.

Trailblazers: Forgive Selfish Prodigals (Part 7)

NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players.’ Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.

* In Its entirety: The Parable of the Prodigal Son, h

Carey Arban