In what ways can we avoid the elder son's attitude in our lives? Setting the Scene “‘Look, all these years I have served you and never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends.’” (Luke 15:29) Recognizing the Elder Son’s Attitude • Service without joy • Score-keeping and comparison • Entitlement: “You never gave me…” • Resentment toward grace shown to others • Distance from the father even while staying “home” Hidden Roots Behind the Attitude • Self-righteousness (Luke 18:9-14) • Prideful comparison (Galatians 6:4) • Forgetfulness of personal need for mercy (Romans 3:23-24) • Works-based identity rather than sonship (Ephesians 2:8-9) Ways to Avoid the Elder Son’s Attitude 1. Celebrate God’s Grace to Others • Romans 12:15—“Rejoice with those who rejoice.” • Intentionally thank God whenever He blesses someone else. 2. Remember Our Own Rescue Story • Ephesians 2:12-13—We were “without hope” until brought near. • Regularly recount how God has forgiven and provided for us. 3. Serve from Love, Not Leverage • Colossians 3:23—Work “for the Lord, not for men.” • Ask: “Am I serving to earn or to honor?” 4. Guard the Heart Against Comparison • 2 Corinthians 10:12—“When they measure themselves by themselves… they are not wise.” • Limit things that fuel envy (social media, idle talk). 5. Cultivate Gratitude Daily • 1 Thessalonians 5:18—“Give thanks in all circumstances.” • List specific blessings from the Father; speak them aloud. 6. Keep Fellowship with the Father Central • Luke 15:31—“Son, you are always with Me, and all that is Mine is yours.” • Prioritize time in Scripture and prayer over mere activity. 7. Pursue Humble Community • Philippians 2:3—“In humility consider others more important than yourselves.” • Serve alongside believers who model grace and humility. Keeping Our Hearts Soft • Invite regular accountability (James 5:16). • Meditate on Christ’s humility (Philippians 2:5-8). • Practice secret generosity—giving unseen by others (Matthew 6:3-4). • Sing praises that center on God’s mercy, not our performance. Walking in Grace Choosing celebration over comparison, gratitude over grumbling, and fellowship over mere duty keeps us from drifting into the elder son’s mindset and allows us to reflect the Father’s heart to a watching world. |
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