He Would Not Go In

Read: Luke 15:25-32

He was angry and would not go in. --- Luke 15:28

The Bible In One Year:
2 Chronicles 17-18
John 13:1-20

Some theologians divide transgressions into "sins of the flesh" and "sins of the spirit." This means that some sins originate in our physical passions; others come form our "heart" or disposition. In the story of the prodigal son, the elder brother's attitude gives us an example of the latter.

We're inclined to single out the prodigal son as worse than his brother. But it's worth nothing that when the story ends, the prodigal is restored, forgiven, and full of joy, while the elder brother stands outside and refuses to go in.

The stay-at-home son is more than background filler. He makes us think about the state of our heart, for sour moods create untold misery.

Discontent, jealousy, bitterness, resentment, defensiveness, touchiness, and ingratitude are the dispositions that ruin our marriages, wither our children, alienate our friends, and embitter every life. --- including our own.

It's easy to defend our bad moods and to slide into deceptions and hypocrisy. But we must guard our hearts against such destructive attitudes. When they arise, we need to confess them, let them go, and experience God's forgiveness.

Don't let your bad attitude cause you to lose out while others enter into joy. --- David Roper

When anger lingers in our heart,
It poisons all we think and do;
When faith seeks ways to show God's love
It keeps our spirit strong and true. --- D. De Haan

RESENTMENT COMES FROM LOOKING AT OTHERS; CONTENTMENT COMES FROM LOOKING AT GOD.