I was reading the passage of the Prodigal Son today – how the father welcomed back his youngest son who squandered his inheritance after demanding it from his father. Usually, I would relate to the elder son who felt indignant that his father celebrated and welcomed back his prodigal son. Today, I had an epiphany – like the younger son, I too had squandered the many blessings God had given me.
WEEK 7 Theme: Restored to Your True Identity
The younger son had sought freedom, pleasure and fulfilment outside of his father’s house – and ended up losing all his money and starving in a pigsty in a foreign land. In shame, he wanted to return back to his father’s house as a servant. But his father ran towards him from afar, welcomed him back and restored him as his heir. The father celebrated his son’s return by getting his servant to fetch him his robe, ring, and sandals. And on top of that, he slaughtered the fatted calf to have a feast for him.
What a wonderful imagery of restoration – being reinstated and celebrated as a beloved child.
Weekly Intention
In our lives, we neglect the many blessings that Our Father has given us. We squander our time, opportunities, and calling. We run away to find pleasure. We distract ourselves with social media scrolling or food/wine or other self-indulgences. We strive for performance and perfection. All in futility…
This week, we will set our intention to live as a Child of God, and not as servant. Hence, we will need to change our mindsets:
- Stop performing for Approval – I don’t need to do/achieve more to please God, but to know that I am already deeply loved. I serve from love, not for love.
- Replace fear with Security – replace punishment and shame with security in God’s love. God is always waiting for us, even when we have squandered His treasures.
- Make decisions from Identity, not insecurity – stop chasing validation and needing to prove our worthiness, but be secure in our identity as a Child of God and in His love and grace.
Question: Where have I been living like a servant instead of a Child of God?