What does prodigal mean?
Some of the definitions say wasteful, extravagant, lavishly reckless--none of the things I had ever associated with prodigal in the prodigal son. I mean I knew spending the inheritance was the gist of the story, but I always thought him leaving the family was where the term prodigal came from--being impetuous and stupid basically. Then I found another definition: a person who acts irresponsibly and later regrets it.
We were reading the New Testament with the kids the other night and I was reading the parables of the lost sheep, the piece of silver, and the prodigal son. We all get the importance of the one sheep and how a person feels if they have $10.00 and lose one. The obvious fixation is on the one that's lost not the nine that are easily spent or saved. We've all heard the story of the prodigal son at least 100 times. This time though, one verse stuck out. After we were finished, I went back and read it again and asked Keith some questions.
Luke 15:7
I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven
over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine
just persons, which need no repentance.
Okay, so I have to admit, it's been my personal mission for years (and I'm not perfect at it yet) to come to a place where I don't resent people who live a prodigal life and then repent and now have a seemingly perfect gospel life. I've finally accepted that whether I tell a white lie or commit adultery (don't worry Keith, it's just an example) I am every bit as dependant on the atonement. The degree of sin is irrelevant. So, reading this verse took me back a little bit. Aren't we all prodigal? There aren't any sinless persons--except the one telling the story. It's been a hard lesson for me as I try to do whats right and watch those around me. There's the next lesson--stop watching those around me!
It would be good if the verse had a footnote to explain it, but I guess I'll just have to study it out and hope someone smarter than me had the same question and wrote the answer down somewhere.
1 comment:
Okay. Tried to post earlier, but didn't work. Here I go again...
I have always struggled with the prodigal principle (as one who tries to be the good, stay-at-home-and-be-responsible daughter). I have found some degree of reconciliation with it through Elder Holland's conference address about it, but you have given me an entirely different and more easily-concedable perspective. I am a prodigal daughter, and in need of mercy and grace for my sins. Glad to know that they are available for the asking.
You amaze me. You should write a column or something.
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