Nancy Leigh DeMoss: Jesus told a story that we often call the Parable of the Prodigal Son. Did you know that there are actually two lost sons in that story?

One left home and wasted all his money on wild living. The other stayed home with his father doing his job and working hard. Guess which example Jesus wants us to follow? Believe it or not, it’s the prodigal. After rebelling against his father, he returned home with a broken, humble heart.

On the other hand, buried beneath the older son’s perfect exterior lay a dark, cancerous mass of anger and envy—fueled by hidden, unfulfilled expectations.

Too often we’re like that older brother. Externally, we’re following all the rules. But inwardly, we crave recognition and think that our hard work can make us right with God.

We need to be quick to recognize our sin. To say with that prodigal son, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before You.”

With Seeking Him, I’m Nancy Leigh DeMoss.