Luke chapter 15 verse 21 (NIV)
“The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’
The prodigal son had treated his father shamefully. What he felt when he comes to his senses is indeed justified, but it struck me that we see here that first and foremost he had sinned against heaven, in other words God. Jesus in telling this story, puts God before the man’s earthly father. Some people excuse elements of behaviour because they say that they are not hurting anyone, for example in telling a “white lie” or taking company material, (pens or paper) because no one would notice.
But when we sin it is not first and foremost against anyone in these situations, but it is against God, and unacceptable to Him, just the same as our grumpy or unwise thoughts may not be felt or seen by anyone else. But God knows, and that’s why we need to be so careful about any compromising behaviour. Our standard must always be is it a sin against heaven? If the answer is yes, the it is unacceptable behaviour, no matter what anyone else thinks, and like the prodigal son, we too need to confess and repent.
Dear Lord,
Its so important for me to remember whose child I am and who I represent. There is a worship song I am reminded of that says, “I seek to please an audience of one”. Doing what’s right in Your eyes is the only thing that matters. Help me to do that faithfully. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.