Our lives are a constant quest, a perpetual search. We turn to search engines, delve into self-discovery books, and consume inspiring media content to find answers, purpose, and even a sense of identity.
The prodigal son was no exception.
After asking way ahead of time for his inheritance and venturing into the world to “find himself,” he ended up in the most deplorable condition a young man of his kind could be found in, taking care of pigs and coveting their food. His search for identity had turned into a nightmare. He was “searching for himself” in all the wrong places.
His sense of identity was shaken as he returned to his father’s house.
However, he wasn’t the only one with a distorted sense of identity. His older brother also had issues in that department. He never dared to ask his father for a tiny lamb to share with his friends! Was he clear that he was the son of the master?
However, at the end of the story, the father reminds them both that they are his sons and everything that title implies.
Today, I’d like to share with you three lessons on identity I’ve learned from the story of the prodigal son:
1. There was nothing the prodigal son could do to lose his father’s love and nothing his brother could do to earn it. They were their father’s sons, and he loved them equally. It’s the same with us and God, friend. Being a child of God is not a title that you earn. You were created and redeemed by Him. No matter how far away you run or how guilty you feel for the things you’ve done or are doing. Your Father still loves you as His child and is waiting eagerly for you to return. Luke 15:20
2. Your Father owns everything; however, sometimes, we don’t even dare to ask for what we need or desire. He has countless blessings ready to bestow upon you if you ask. Ask, friend, ask in faith! Matthew 7:11
3. If we are all the children of God, that means we are all brothers and sisters in Christ. That next-door neighbor who likes to put on loud music when you are trying to sleep? Your brother. That rude lady that cut in front of you at the grocery store? Your sister. The young couple at church who got pregnant out of wedlock? Your brother and sister. Your Father is forgiving and loving towards them despite their mistakes, so why wouldn’t you? 1 John 1:9, Matthew 6:12
When our sense of identity is clear in Christ, our outlook on life completely shifts. Not only do we better understand our purpose on this earth, but we also have a greater sense of responsibility regarding the impact of our actions on others. Matthew 5: 14-16
You are a child of God, always remember that.
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