Message Recap
Today we continued in our series, Finding Your Way Back to God, with Pastor Dave Dummit's teaching on Luke 15:11-14, specifically verses 17 and 18. Many of us have determined to set off in a certain direction, and no matter the many words of caution we may hear from friends or family, we keep going. And then, one day, we awaken to regret. We realize that as Proverbs 14:12 says, "There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death."
This is what happened to the Prodigal Son. In verses 17 and 18, we see he first came to his senses and, second, decided to go back to his father. So what keeps us from recognizing sooner that the path we're on leads to destruction?
1. Pride
Often we think we know better than those around us. Worse yet, we think we know better than God.
2. Peers
Sometimes our thoughts and actions seem harmless because we've surrounded ourselves with others who think the same. Proverbs 13:20 says, "Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm."
3. Lack of Pain
Sometimes we don't wake up to our sin because the pain just isn't bad enough. In the short term, sin may seem fun, but it's only because the pain of the actions has not caught up with us yet. Pastor Dave said, "We will change when the pain of staying the same exceeds the pain of changing."
4. Lack of Perspective
There is nothing we can do that can't be forgiven if we determine to turn back to God, repent of our sin, and allow Him to welcome us home.
