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"OLD BROTHER" ATTITUDES!
The older brother became angry and refused to go in. Luke 15:28 NIV.
There were two prodigals! The younger brother was guilty of the flesh; the older was guilty of the sins of the spirit [ attitude ]. When Jesus' parable closes it's the older brother, the second prodigal, standing outside the father's house. When we focus only on our own interests we become like the older brother. We nurture attitudes of jealousy and selfishness. Understand this: Christians who possess no greater cause than themselves, are usually not as happy or fulfilled as those who don't know Christ yet have a purpose greater than themselves. This older brother attitude has 3 possible results:
- It's possible to be a son yet refuse to act like a brother. Outwardly the older brother was correct, but look at his resentful attitude. A wrong relationship with your brother and sister in Christ always results in a strained relationship with your Heavenly Father.
- It's possible to serve God faithfully yet not be in sync with His will. The elder brother had no idea why their father would rejoice over a disobedient son's return. Self-centered, judgmental people never "get it".
- It's possible to be an heir to all your father possesses yet have less joy and liberty than one who possesses nothing. The hired servants were happier than the older brother. They ate, laughed and celebrated while he stood outside demanding his rights. The older brother attitude robbed him of the blessings of his father, the love of his brother, and the joy of the servants. And an older brother attitude will block the flow of God's blessing in your life too.
LET THIS WORD BLESS YOU AND OTHERS AROUND YOU. |
