Errors In Judgment
Categories: Church of Christ Bulletin ArticlesIn the parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32, we see this young man making several errors in judgment. In this short study, let us look at some of them and then make some spiritual applications.
1) The prodigal son left the source of his security and well-being — his father (cf. Psalm 23:1). He was determined to take his journey into a “far country” (Luke 15:13) — He wanted to go as far as possible to get away from the influence and wise instruction of his father (cf. Proverbs 1:8-9; Proverbs 4:1-13).
The thinking of the prodigal was similar in nature to the folks described in Romans 1:28 AMP. As a result, he was given over to a reprobate [“base and condemned”] mind devoid of proper judgment. Fortunately for the prodigal, “he came to himself” — he realized his lost and helpless condition (Luke 15:17), and returned to his father (Luke 15:18-20).
Spiritually speaking, many folks never return to the Father (cf. Matthew 27:3-5; Acts 1:18-20; 2 Timothy 4:10).
2) The prodigal son was foolish — Note that he “wasted” [squandered] the means (Luke 15:13 NIV) by which to sustain himself through “riotous” [reckless] living (Luke 15:13 ESV). No one forced him to squander his means — he did that of his own choosing. In essence, he was his own worst enemy.
We too can squander the spiritual blessings that we have “in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3) by engaging in worldly living (Romans 1:29-31).
3) The prodigal son did not plan ahead for the “rainy day” that was sure to come — Note that a severe famine came along (Luke 15:14 NIV), and since he spent all that he had, he began to be in want.
The same can happen to us spiritually as well (Amos 8:11-13; cf. Ezekiel 7:23-27).
4) The prodigal son foolishly “joined” [glued] himself to a citizen of a foreign country (Luke 15:15 AMP) — Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 6:14, that we are not to make alliances or partnerships with unbelievers because of their ungodly influence (2 Corinthians 6:15-16).
Conclusion:
Brethren, in this parable, we can readily see that when we choose to leave God out of our lives (like the prodigal left his father (Luke 15:13), our spiritual condition begins to deteriorate to the lowest point of servitude — such as the feeding of the swine (Luke 15:15), the lowest state of existence that a Jew could succumb to (see commentary).
When a child of God continues in sin, he literally becomes a slave to sin (Romans 6:16 NIV) — and, like the prodigal son, succumbs to the lowest point of servitude.
But praise God, we don’t have to remain in that spiritually corrupt condition. If we, like the prodigal son, are willing to “come to ourselves” (realize our sinful condition — Luke 15:17), we can repent of our rebellious behavior, confess that we have sinned, and then humbly return to our Father (Luke 15:18-21) who always stands ready to extend His mercy and forgiveness (Luke 15:20; cf. Proverbs 28:13; 1 John 1:9).
Heavenly Father, please give us the good judgment, fortitude, and backbone to always return to You when we sin, through Jesus we ask it, Amen! (Luke 15:17-21; cf. Psalm 51:1-11).