Whether you’re a follower of Christ or not, you’ve likely made a few bad choices in your lifetime. Becoming a Christian does not mean we’re done making mistakes. When we cross the line of faith and commit our lives to Jesus, we don’t stop being human. God does not control us like a puppet. He loves us enough to give us “free will” and the freedom to choose.

This is so clear in the third parable, the story of the lost son. The younger son says, “I don’t want to wait around until you die, so give me my share of the inheritance now.” I’m not sure what I would do if my son approached me with this kind of selfish, disrespectful behavior, but I’m quite sure the answer would be no! But in this parable, the father gives his son the inheritance. After receiving his money, he leaves home and lives it up. He goes to bars, finds prostitutes, and wastes all his money. 

This story speaks of God’s love! Because He loves us, He lets us go our own way. He will not force Himself or His will on us. We are not created to be His robots. He wants us to love and worship Him of our own free will. So out of love and respect for us, He allows us to make our own choices in life, whether to be with Him or apart from Him.   

Final Thought: It is never too late. Nothing is bad enough to make God turn you away!

Isaiah 30:18 – God actively waits to be gracious and to show you mercy. Stop and choose Jesus today.