I have always loved the prodigal son parable. It speaks to my rebellious heart. You see I have always been a quiet rebel. I hate confrontation, but I still want my way. So,my M.O. became to simply not argue..pretend listen to other points of view and then quietly do as I pleased. As a result, I woken up in the "sty" many a day .

Lately I have seen the parable from a different light, that of the unforgiving brother. Remember him? He did everything "right" and was ticked that his dad forgave the wayward son. You see as I become better at my "practice" of Christianity I see a trap. The trap of arrogance and "holier- than -thou" attitude that kills the call of Christ in my life and destroys any chance of meaningful witness to others. I feel the same thing when driving: While speeding I want to get off, but when I see a speeder whiz by, I want the cops to act with full power.

I want Grace for me, but I want judgment for you.

That my friend is a heart problem. A heart that does not truly trust that God is a good and perfect judge. A heart that wants justice is from God. A heart that wants only MY justice is warped. How then to combat this heart? This desire wield MY holiness in a sad broken world. The best I can see is to reflect on my own state of pitiful brokenness. To daily focus on the Grace that saved me and know that I am BOTH the foolish, rebel son AND the bitter, judgmental son. Are you?

Then I invite you to remember that all our good works are as fifthly rags before our God. (Isaiah 64:6) As we attempt to stand before a Holy God our knees will buckle, Truth will wash over us, and humility will flow out of us.

LOVE the Savior. TEND His sheep. (John 21:17)