Article August 7, 2000 Issue

Never too late to feel God's love

Like the brothers in Jesus' parable, we, too, will come to better understand our divine birthright.

By Amanda Holmes Duffy

Have you ever done what's right but then wondered whether it was worth the effort? Or whether, in the long run, being "good" meant little more than missing out on the fun? I've wondered as much. That's why I often remind myself to examine my motives—especially when I'm following the rules. Am I obeying them only because I'm afraid of the consequences of disobedience? Is my good behavior little more than a self-righteous facade rather than the outcome of a heartfelt desire to do what's right? Do I secretly wish I could rebel against the rules?

Although obedience to the mere letter of the moral law may provide security and safety, it can also leave one disillusioned. We need to live the spirit of the law in order to gain the full blessings of obedience. And if, in this process, one wanders from the spirit of the law into self-indulgence, even careless abandon, it's never too late to return to the shelter of God's love.

One of Jesus' most vivid parables makes these points. It tells the story of a son, who leaves home with his inheritance and wastes it on "riotous living" (see Luke 15:11-32). Finding himself with nothing, and reduced to taking care of hogs, the son realizes that even his father's servants are much better off than he. Although he now considers himself unworthy to be his father's son, he heads home, repentant, hoping to be allowed to work as a servant. When his father sees him, however, he runs to meet him, embraces him, and throws a party to celebrate his return.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Article

The God of the tunnel