“That brought him to his senses. He said, ‘All those farmhands working for my father sit down to three meals a day, and here I am starving to death. I’m going back to my father. I’ll say to him, Father, I’ve sinned against God, I’ve sinned before you; I don’t deserve to be called your son. Take me on as a hired hand.’ He got right up and went home to his father. (Luke 15:17-20 MSG)
My favourite part in the story of “The Lost Son” is when the younger son comes back to his senses. Let’s face it, the son could have easily chosen to mope over his misfortune like most people would, but instead, he uses his God-given common sense, the turning point in the story. After all, if he was going to work for someone, it might as well be his father whose servants were better off. But the good news is that the young man is welcomed back not as a servant, but as a son. It really does come down to good old fashion common sense. Sadly, unlike the lost son in the story, most people choose not to use it, even when their whole world comes crashing down around them. As a result, they miss out on the good life that God has to offer them as His children. Don’t settle for less than His best. Use common sense. Seek the Father.
Common sense is something that everyone needs, few have, and none think they lack.
Benjamin Franklin
