When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death
[Luke 15:17, NIV]
[Luke 15:17, NIV]
When things were no longer working for the prodigal son, he 'came to himself'. He sat himself down and reasoned to himself in a moment of sober reflection. He compared his father's affluence with his own current state in a far away country. The fact that he told himself the truth got him off the hook. Dwelling in lies can be a source of torture to a person, and it could be so bad if the person believes the lies are all the hope there is.
There are many lies that form the foundation of peoples beliefs these days, and if not carefully exposed can serve to rope it's victims into clear torment. One of these lies is to think that one has failed in life except he becomes financially wealthy. It is possible to be financially wealthy and still fail terribly in life. It is therefore better to embrace the true virtues of life than struggle and torment oneself to attain a height that does not serve as a yardstick for a life well lived. Attempting to do this is to operate in the captivity of lies.
Another lie is to think that 'the end justifies the means'. This lie can rope a person into many atrocities and form bonds of captivity around the life of it's unsuspecting victim. The truth will always prevail and as a matter of time the justice of God will rise in defense of the truth. It is therefore dangerous to build one's lives around such lies. Choosing and standing by the truth not only gives a clear conscience, it also liberates from self imposed captivity. The prodigal son realized the truth and the truth set him free. May the grace of God guide us to live in truth always.
Prayer: Dear Lord, help me walk in uprightness and truth, shunning the lies that seek to overwhelm me. Help me Lord to live above rosy lies that are a bait to captivity and destruction, lies of dishonest gain and worldliness. Holy Spirit please open the eyes of my understanding to discern lies and live above them I pray in Jesus name.
One-Year Daily Bible Reading Plan - Oct. 20 2010 - Malachi 3 (OT), Revelations 5 (NT).
