At times in the Christian faith, it is possible to drift away from our Christian identity. But have you ever felt lost in your faith and identity even while being with God? How many times have you felt that you were losing yourself, even while doing your spiritual duties? How many times have you experienced an empty void despite going to church and doing your devotions? Or how many times have you felt outwardly satisfied while your inward spirituality was dry and barren? Are you a minister? A church worker? An elder? Or a lay member who is active in your church? No matter where we stand or the position we fill, at times we all fall short in our walk with God and in our spiritual faith.
The 21st century is much like the 1st century. The difference lies mainly in the rise of technology and the increased opportunities for people to be busy and fall into sin, but the heart and spiritual conditions remain the same through the ages. Neglecting our spiritual life, even while working for Christ, is a common problem. Jesus addressed this very issue in a parable directed to two groups of His time: the Pharisees and the tax collectors (often referred to as “sinners” in His day).
In the parable of the prodigal sons (Luke 15), a wealthy father has two sons. At one point, the younger son comes to the father and asks for his share of the property, which he would normally receive after his father’s death according to Jewish custom. Instead of refusing him, the father divides the inheritance. The younger son defined his relationship with the father only by what he could gain from him. He took his share, left home, squandered his wealth on worldly pleasures, realized his mistake, returned, and was warmly accepted by the father. This is the traditional example of being “lost,” and for many Christians this defines what it means to backslide and rebel against God.
But Jesus told this story about two sons: the lost younger son and the lost elder son. How can the one who lived with the father and worked for him also be called lost? Jesus revealed the elder son’s heart when he became angry at the father’s joy over his brother’s return and refused the father’s invitation to join the celebration. Just like the younger son, the elder one disrespected his father. He questioned his father’s right to spend his own wealth and, in his anger, showed that he believed he deserved more than his brother. The story closes with the father still inviting the elder son into the house, while the younger son was already inside, restored to his place. The ending is left open: the son who went away was found, while the son who stayed home was revealed to be lost.
Many of us can relate to one of these two sons. Some, like the younger son, are drawn away by the world’s attractions and try to fill their emptiness with temporary pleasures. In search of identity, we may think ourselves “wise,” but in doing so we become “fools” (Rom. 1:22). Others are like the elder son, who represents those who are outwardly faithful but inwardly far from God. They continue with their regular spiritual duties only for appearance’s sake. Like the elder son, they remain near the Father physically but serve Him only to receive His blessings, not out of genuine love. True love for God should not be measured by what we receive from Him but by experiencing His love itself.
So, a question comes to us: Who are you? Are you the younger son, seeking satisfaction in the world? Or are you the elder son, outwardly faithful yet inwardly empty of love for God? The invitation of our heavenly Father is still open. He welcomes us to join Him and share in His joy. He waits for us, saying: “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me” (Rev. 3:20). The choice is yours—to open the door, to join Him, and to find renewal in your spiritual journey.
