By: Cordell Holloway, The Way I See It

The story of the Prodigal Sun is especially applicable to those who leave the church whom we usually refer to as backsliders. It speaks to those who many times have been raised in the church, who know God’s will, who have felt His presence, understand His claims and once served Him faithfully. But like the Prodigal Son they have “gone to the hogs” so to speak.

I think it is interesting that he is not called the Prodigal Sinner, but the Prodigal Son. Why? Because he still belongs to the family. He is still the son of his father. Many times like the Prodigal Son the blessings of the Father’s house become commonplace to those who leave the church.

I think it noteworthy that he didn’t appreciate what he had until he lost it. Note also as you read the story in Luke 15 that the father didn’t kick him out. He choose to leave “he took his journey into a far country.” He left of his own free will and incidentally came back the same way.

So what’s the point? If God’s love can’t hold you, His power won’t force you. It’s your willing obedience that God finds pleasure in, not conforming to a set of religious rules because you are afraid of going to hell.

Jesus tells a story about a King who had planned a wedding feast and invited many guest to come. What a great privilege! “But they made light of it and went their ways, one to his farm another to his business.” (Matthew 22:5)

Are you too busy to serve God? Have you gotten so used to the many blessings of the Father that you have decided you want something different?

Be warned the road you travel only leads to the hog pen. Stop, turn around and like the Prodigal Son come back to the Father. Come home while you still can. No matter how badly you have failed the Father is waiting with loving arms outstretched, ready and willing to welcome you home and that’s the way I see it for this time.

Cordell Holloway is a retired Church of Christ minister and can be reached at any time by calling (706) 657-8521 or by writing him at 5 Valley Estates Dr., Trenton, GA 30752.