SHARE THIS POSTWhen a bridge becomes stressed it collapses. If a bridge is used as it was intended by the structural engineer it lasts a long time. There is a story in Luke 15:11-31 that talks about a bridge stressor, a bridge burner, and a bridge builder. Which one do you relate to?
The Prodigal Son Was A Bridge Stressor
There was a younger son who had an entitled mindset. He stressed the bridge of the relationship with his father. He asked for his inheritance, left home, and spent the entire thing. He returned home to his father with humility after deciding it was better to be his father’s servant than hungry.
The Older Brother Was A Bridge Burner
The older brother (a.k.a.religious people) was slowly burning the relationship with his brother and father through bitterness and resentment. He acted entitled instead of thankful. It was none of his business how his father worked out his younger brother’s inheritance. The older brother judged, meddled, and chipped away at his relationships with an unforgiving and ungrateful attitude.
The Father Was A Bridge Builder
The father was a bridge builder. He was patient and compassionate with both sons. The father saw the good in others. He celebrated life and would not be deterred by the resentment of his older son. Nor did the mistakes of his younger son cause him to get off track. He walked in love, just as God does with us.
Which One Are You?
We all get prideful at times, but the key is to recognize it and to humble ourselves. We need to stop allowing something that someone said in the past bother us today. We need to stop meddling and judging. We need to let go of what doesn’t matter and grab hold of what does. We need to love God. Love people. But most of all, we need to love ourselves as God loves us. I call you blessed!
