One More - Friday
TODAY’S VERSE
Luke 15:28
“But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him…” (ESV)
I concluded yesterday’s devotion with a cliffhanger by stating, “Not every prodigal starts off as a prodigal...” At least this is true of me, if you know the rest of my story. By all appearances, I grew up as the quintessential “church kid.” One of my grandfathers was a pastor and preacher at his church. My other grandfather served as a deacon at the church where my grandmother also served as a Sunday school teacher. Between Sunday school, morning and evening services, Vacation Bible School, and church lock-ins, my parents made sure I didn’t miss an opportunity to be in the church.
And while I have so many fond memories of the church, which has been so vital to my faith foundation, there was a crack under the surface that eventually revealed itself. What was true of the older brother in Jesus’ final parable was also true of me: even though I was in the Father’s house, I was still far from His heart. The same self-righteousness that was hidden in the older brother’s heart (v.29-30) was also lurking under the surface of mine. And it manifested in the same bitterness and resentment after trying to earn God’s love by “keeping all the rules.”
Including the older brother in this parable reveals the genius of Jesus once again, so don’t miss this: both sons were lost. Even though the younger brother’s sin of self-sabotage was public, the older brother’s sin of self-righteousness was private… until it wasn’t. There’s a word of caution here for all of us, including the Pharisees and the scribes: beware of Older Brother Syndrome. This insidious disease is characterized by entitlement, judgment, and self-righteousness. And because it’s rooted in pride, we’re often blind to how it’s taken root in our hearts.
Here’s the sobering reality of Older Brother Syndrome: it’s dangerous because it’s man-centered, not Christ-centered. It’s deceptive because it’s based on behavior modification, not heart transformation. And it’s destructive because it eats us from the inside out, leading to resentment, not joy. Maybe that’s why Jesus refers to the Pharisees and scribes as white-washed tombs (Matthew 23:27-28). Maybe that’s why Paul implores us to be dead to sin and alive in Christ (Romans 6:1-14). And maybe that’s why our Heavenly Father rejoices when one of His lost children is found (v.24, 32).
APPLICATION
Invite a trusted family member or friend to coffee this week and ask them to lovingly share some of the ways you demonstrate entitlement, judgment, or self-righteousness. Humbly receive any feedback they share, and encourage them to keep you accountable this year.
PRAYER
Father, I want to humbly acknowledge that I have blind spots in my relationship with You and with others. As David wrote in Psalm 139: search me, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. If there’s any offensive way in me, please lead me back onto Your righteous path. Amen.