Luke 15:17–20 (Listen)
17 “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”’ 20 And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.
Devotional:
But when he came to himself, he said, “How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.’” And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. (Luke 15:17-20)
Reviewing for Alignment
Consider this son who thought he was on target to do remarkable things, but after examining his current situation, he determined that he was missing the mark. We are wise to constantly evaluate where we are in comparison to where we are trying to go. Without honest review, we internally combust in mental and spiritual turmoil. When pursuing your prize in the calling of Christ Jesus this year, look forward to continually reviewing your progress. Ask the Lord to constantly search you and examine your heart. Only when you surrender to Him and His heart inspections in your life will you truly begin to mirror Christ in your life. Look at the words from Psalm 139:23-24:
Search me, O God, and know my heart!
Try me and know my thoughts!
And see if there be any grievous way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting!
This year, set up daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly reviews to track your progress in accomplishing your looking ahead goals. (Also consider – Job 13:23; Lam 3:40; and 1 Cor 11:27-31.)