Drawn from my archives
In Luke Chapter 15, we find the parable of The Prodigal Son. As I read, I can’t help but notice the polarized attitudes of the two brothers.
One came to understand the power of grace, after he understood the depth of his sin. He knew where he had been and what he had done, saying, “Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.” (Luke 15:21)
The elder son, as good as he was, failed to understand grace. He saw the love and respect of his father as something to be earned. “And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends.” (Luke 15:29)
The latter represents the self-righteous among us–those who believe that being good is good enough. They feel that salvation is earned by good behavior and a long-standing commitment.
Timothy Keller writes,
“Neither son loved the father for himself. They both were using the father for their own self-centered ends rather than loving, enjoying, and serving him for his own sake. This means that you can rebel against God and be alienated from him either by breaking his rules or by keeping all of them diligently.”
(Timothy J. Keller, The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith)
Grace and good works go hand in hand. God loves us deeply. We’re saved by grace through faith in His Son. We’re not saved by works, we’re not loved one day and discarded the next. Regardless of where we have been and what we have done, He welcomes us home. But if we say that we love Him, and truly mean what we say, then we’re motivated to serve Him, we’re determined to seek Him, and we’re eager to walk in His will.
Subscribe so you don’t miss a post:
Tilling the Soil
Read the Parable of the Prodigal Son found in Luke 15:11-31
Planting Hope
But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. (James 4:6, KJV)
Your donations help to support this ministry as we share the gospel with over 500,000 women around the world. Click here to donate
About the Author
DARLENE SCHACHT is an award-winning and NYT best-selling author. She is the founder of Time-Warp Wife Ministries, an online publication that encourages women to live Christ-centered lives.
Her passion for scripture and hunger for truth is the driving force behind a unique ministry that offers Bible studies and daily marriage prayers. Darlene is joined by her husband Michael on the daily podcast “5-Minute Marriage.”
Connect With Darlene:
Facebook: @timewarpwife
Instagram: @timewarpwife
Pinterest: @timewarpwife
Twitter: @timewarpwife
Amazon: Darlene Schacht (affiliate link)