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“The father said, ‘My son, you are always with me, and everything I have is yours.’” ~ Luke 15:31 (CEV)

Have you ever felt like you were doing everything right, but you still weren't happy?

I grew up on a ranch north of Ellensburg, and I remember spending hours in a garden that was the size of two city lots. My dad had a simple rule: pull your weeds before you go play. I would sit in the dirt, my knees aching and my hands stained green, focusing entirely on the job.

In those moments, I didn't feel like a son enjoying my father's land. I felt like an employee. I thought I was "paying a debt" of work so I could finally earn my freedom.

In the story Jesus told about the two brothers, the older brother felt the exact same way. He stayed home. He worked hard. He never broke the rules. But when his brother came home and the father threw a party, the older brother got angry. He stayed outside in the dark. He told his father, "I've worked for you like a slave!"

He was standing right next to a father who loved him, but he was acting like a hired hand waiting for a paycheck.

It is so easy to treat our life with God like a business deal. We think that if we are "good" enough, God owes us something. We trade a relationship for a transaction. But God isn't a boss looking for workers; He is a Father looking for His children.

Jesus came to show us that we don't have to pull one more weed to be wanted. You don't have to "earn" your seat at the table. You already belong there.

Reflection Questions:

  • Do you ever feel like you have to be "perfect" for God to be happy with you?

  • How does it feel to know that everything the Father has is already yours?

Prayer: Father, thank You that I don't have to earn my spot at Your table. Help me to stop acting like an employee trying to win Your favor and start living like a child who is already loved. I want to drop the "weeds" I've been pulling and just enjoy being with You. Today, I specifically want to talk to You about...

Are you tired of trying to earn your way into God's favor?
I'd love to talk with you about what it means to just be a child of God again.

Text Pastor Vic at 509-919-1897 if you'd like to talk.