More than dignity

While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him … For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.
- from Luke 15:20-24

All the way home, the younger son was preparing his speech. He would confess his sin. He would say those painful words: “I’m no longer worthy to be called your son.” He would swallow his pride and ask for a job.

But the younger son never gets the full speech out of his mouth. Before he even gets all the way back to the house his father comes running (a dignified, middle-eastern patriarch would never, ever be seen running in public). The son is wrapped in his father’s arms and kissed with his father’s kisses. And, for the first time in the story, we hear the father speak.

The father gives orders to his servants to prepare for a feast and to bring symbols of honor to the son. And then the father tells why.

“This son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.”

The whole time, through the long ordeal, the father has been telling himself this story. His son died. He lost his son. What good are pride or dignity in the face of a dead and lost son? How much pride or dignity would you trade to get a lost or dead son to return to you? What ultimately matters most?

At the core of Jesus’ parable is this challenge: will we truly value that which matters most?

Ultimately, performance isn’t what matters most. The younger son isn’t worthy to be called a son. He isn’t even worthy to be hired as an employee. But the father isn’t fixated on performance. His eyes are filled with love; his focus is on the relationship.

What matters most to you? What’s more important to you than your dignity or pride? Who’s more important to you than your dignity or pride?

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