Once a father had two sons, one rarely asked for things but when he did quite often the father would provide it for him and that son always showed his gratitude, which pleased the father’s heart. The second son asked for things quite often and because he asked so much the father was selective about which requests he provided; the father was not unfair but responded according the need of each son and not the want. This made the second son bitter and full of resentment, he would often compare the fact that only a few of his request were noticed by the father while it seemed the other had every request answered but even when the second son demanded things of the father and the father provided because of the need this son refused to show his thankfulness or even acknowledge the father’s provisions, as if he had deserved it.
If we are honest we have acted out both attitudes before our Heavenly Father, even if it is where no one else can see. Which do you think brings a smile to God’s face? Which do you think will receive the better blessing? And which attitude lets the Father know our eyes are not on our own wants but instead trust Him to meet our needs?
Being perfect or making it on your own or accomplishing great tasks is not where it’s at but a heart of gratitude for what has been freely offered, regardless of whether it is deserved is what God wants us to learn. Jesus did something for us that we cannot repay and the Father wants thankful hearts not bitterness, strife, and unforgiveness.
He told him, 'Your brother came home. Your father has ordered a feast--barbecued beef!--because he has him home safe and sound.' "The older brother stalked off in an angry sulk and refused to join in. His father came out and tried to talk to him, but he wouldn't listen. The son said, 'Look how many years I've stayed here serving you, never giving you one moment of grief, but have you ever thrown a party for me and my friends?
(Luk 15:27-29 MSG)
What a sad condition of the heart, this son was so centered on his own wants (and what he believed to be needs) that he couldn’t see how the father provided for both of them, unconditionally! His focus kept him from seeing what the father offered to not only his brother but to him as well, for the father’s blessings were far beyond material things. Not only that this son had a second focus – how undeserving his younger brother was because he did not “do” all the things he did. Again it is not as much about the deed as it is the attitude.
This is how I want you to conduct yourself in these matters. If you enter your place of worship and, about to make an offering, you suddenly remember a grudge a friend has against you, abandon your offering, leave immediately, go to this friend and make things right. Then and only then, come back and work things out with God.
(Mat 5:23-24 MSG)
Do you think that once this son received his inheritance it gave him peace? If his attitude didn’t change it would have continued to prevent him from enjoying any blessing, even the one he had been waiting his whole life for, because he was too concerned about whether things were equal between him and his sibling, according to his values. Don’t let your heart get caught up in this way of thinking because it is a deep hole to climb out of. The older brother was so concerned about all the “bad” the younger did or the splinter in his eye that he could not see the log in his own eye, it is a game that cannot be won! Therefore pray for those who have been trapped by the enemy in this way that God will open their eyes and that their heart will experience the full freedom of the Father so that His peace may replace bitterness received from the enemy.
