Learning From The Prodigal Son

Father, I have sinned.
Luke 15:18

The prodigal son didn't get into trouble until he left the safety of his father's house.
Jesus pointed out four things about him:
(1)"He wasted his substance." Satan is a fraudster. If you heed his call to come out and play, you'll end up losing the very substance of who you are and what God's called you to be.
(2) "He went and joined himself to a citizen of that country." Want to know where you are spiritually? Look at who you hang out with and take advice from. Who do you call, who calls you? Solomon writes, "My son, if sinners entice you, do not give in to them" (Proverbs 1:10 ).
(3) "He began to be in want." Something's wrong! In his father's house he never missed a meal, now he's eating what pig seat. He's trying to meet a legitimate need in an illegitimate way. Are you doing that? David said, "The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want"( Psalm 23:1). Who's that promise for? Those who live in the safety ofthe sheepfold and stay close to the Shepherd.
(4) "He came to himself."When his elevator could not go any lower he decided to get off. Mercifully, he still could. Some never can.

The Bible says: "Today, [not tomorrow] if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts" ( Hebrews 3:15 ). It wasn't too late for the prodigal - and it's not too late for you. The moment he changed his prayer from "give me" to "forgive me," His father opened His arms,welcomed him home and restored him to son-ship.
And God will do the same for you, if you let Him.