Most of us are happy in most of our relationships most of the time. No one is happy all the time, all relationships require effort…from everyone. And when we love people, that alone will cover over a multitude of those little hiccups that come with any relationship. These are the “happy” sons, daughter, wives and husbands.
Often, we find ourselves in relationships or situations where we are not happy. Sometime we have no control over how things work out. But all too frequently we stay in these uncomfortable places because we feel stuck or obligated, or for reasons we cannot determine. These are the unhappy sons, daughter, wives and husbands. These are the unhappy, but “good” people. On the surface, things may look good, but underneath…
You can spot the “good” but unhappy sons a mile away. They are seldom happy and they are constantly complaining about something they don’t like!
Do you know anyone like that? They just can’t be happy about what’s going on? Maybe you have found yourself in the shoes of the older brother, who is full of resentment and bitterness.
Second: In addition to their grumbling, they have an inflated sense of goodness.
Dave, Jr has exaggerated his own goodness and he exaggerated his brother’s wickedness. Five times he used the first personal pronoun: “All these years I’VE been slaving for you; I never disobeyed you. You never gave ME a goat so I could celebrate with MY friends!”
And then he goes on to compare himself to his brother. “And this little brat of yours goes off and spends all your money on prostitutes.” We haven’t been told anywhere in these verses that the younger brother visited prostitutes–that’s just what the older brother said. This is probably meant to inflame the father. Or, perhaps he throws this in because that’s what he would have done! Who know?
But, his aim here is clear. He wants to paint the younger brother, Philip, in as bad a light as possible.
Perhaps he actually was totally obedient to his father for all those years! In light of his current display, it is hard to imagine that. And it is clear that even if he was there physically, his heart was not. But in his own mind, when he compared himself to his wicked little brother, he was proud of his goodness.
“I” “me” and “mine” are some of the strongest temptation for us. Our egos get cranked up, and it doesn’t want us to get left out or overlooked. It (the ego) certainly doesn’t want us to not get the proper credit.
This brother was so full of “I” he couldn’t see the repentance and restoration of his brother. He was blinded to anything but his own feelings.
You can block the light of even the mighty sun with something as small as a dime if you hold it close enough to your own eye.
Can you step out of the spotlight long enough to be happy for someone else?
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