Daily Devotion: The Right Choices

Scripture:
Luke 15: 11-24

Main Verse:
Luke 15: 18-19
"I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.  I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants."

Observation:
The prodigal son in the parable made wrong decisions and choices. First, he asked his father to give him his share of his inheritance. Then, he chose to "squander his wealth in wild living" instead of spending it wisely. After wasting all of his father's hard-earned wealth, he had no other means to feed himself. He decided to become a slave so that he can have something to eat. But after the prodigal son realized that he has sinned, he decided to come back to his father. 

The father also made the choice of forgiving his son. The father could have chosen not to accept him back. He could have chosen to disown his son for what he did. Instead, the father prepared a feast for him, dressed him with the best robes, and gave him a ring as a symbol that his father is glad upon his return.  

Application:
It is easy for us to make wrong choices when we do not think about their consequences. Have you ever experienced buying an airplane ticket in a rush, only to find out that you have booked the wrong schedule? Have you ever shared something on social media, only to realize after that what you have shared is wrong information or of dubious authenticity? Have you ever said hurtful words to someone you love which caused both of you pain and a shattered relationship? The son made the wrong choice; he can no longer repossess the wealth that he has misspent. There are always two sides of the road: the right and wrong path. When we make choices, we need to be careful because once we have made the decision, it can never be undone. But if we lift up to God our choices, He will direct our path. As the apostle James wrote in James 1:5, "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." 

Prayer:
Father, guide me so I can always make the right choices. Give me the wisdom to choose what is right in your sight, so I can experience the life you intended me to have and bring glory to your name. AMEN.