Sin Promises Freedom But Leaves Us Bankrupt

The younger son probably felt incredibly free when he first arrived in the far country. No watchful father. No rules. No expectations. No accountability. He could finally do whatever he wanted. Jesus summarizes the outcome of the son’s actions and choices in one word: squandered.

He squandered what had been entrusted to him. This is one of sin’s biggest lies. Sin tells us, “This will make your life free and more open.” But over time, sin robs us blind. It steals our time. It damages our relationships. It weakens our character. It dampens our awareness of God.

Sin takes the gifts God intended to be lasting and meaningful and squanders them on something cheap and temporary.

The son treated his inheritance as if it existed only for his pleasure. It’s easy to do the same with what God has given you. Your time. Your body. Your relationships. Your influence. Your opportunities. Your abilities. Your money.

The question isn’t simply, “What do I want to do with my life?” A better question is, “What has the Father entrusted to me, and how would I use it well?”

Next Step:

Take inventory today. Where are you investing your best energy? What commands the most of your attention? What habits are shaping your character? How are you using the abilities and opportunities God has given you? This isn’t about living in constant fear of “wasting” a moment. God gives good gifts to enjoy. But there is a difference between enjoying God’s gifts and squandering them. The Father has entrusted you with gifts, relationships, opportunities, and influence for a reason.

Choose one thing God has entrusted to you: your time, body, money, influence, relationships, or gifts, and intentionally use it today to honor Him.