Excerpt from the book; …And the cattle upon a thousand hills
By Todd A. Williams
The parable of the prodigal son is a fantastic example of the love of a father for a son, and the love of God for his children. While many who read the passage can clearly see the premise that God will rejoice at the return of his children who have gone astray, there is another interesting idea presented.
In this parable, we see that the father was a man of financial means. He had hired servants, an estate, and cattle. The son knowing, that because he is the son of this wealthy man, understands that he has an inheritance. As a result, he desires to get his share, and to move out. Once out of his father’s house, he lives the life of excess and frivolity until he comes to a place of financial ruin! Once realizes that his father was a fair and just man who paid his workers well, he decides to go back home to try to get a job with his father. The father, realizing that his son has come back, accepts him and restores him to his place of importance.
Our heavenly father, who has all riches and glory, has an inheritance for his children. God desires for us to be prosperous, to have our needs met, and to live a life free from want and worries. That does not mean that we are all to be worth millions and own massive estates. What it does mean is that our Father freely gives according to our measure of faith and what we can manage.
Many of us encounter the same challenges as the prodigal son: We squander the resources given to us by our father. We buy things we don’t need, get caught up with friends who influence us negatively, and we try to keep up with the fads of society. We don’t save for the economic downturns or slow periods, but we live from paycheck to paycheck hoping and praying to get by. We fail to see the big picture until we are in the middle of hardship brought on by a lack of wisdom, humility, and appreciation for the blessings we have. How many of us ask God to help us financially, without looking at the resources we already have and determining if we need the expenses we currently carry? We have adequate resources, yet the expenses we have are not necessary. Not every one makes the same amount of money, so how can I say that we have adequate resources? How many of us truly need 100 cable channels, satellite dishes on every television in the house, and a cell phone that is not work or emergency related? The question relative to resources then becomes, do I have the ability to learn? If I change my lifestyle, could I meet my obligations and prosper?
Our values are important, and what we value determines how we allocate our resources. Where our heart is, that is were we lay our treasure (Matt 6:21). The Prodigal son valued pleasure, frivolous living, and fun. When he was destitute he came back to his senses. It was at this point that he realized that he had to change his attitude and come to grips with his true values.
Assess where you are financially and honestly ask yourself: Am I acting like the prodigal son? Am I truly aware of who I am, and the position I have through the grace of The Most High? Am I acting like a prince, princess, or a pauper?
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