Tim Keller recently taught on the Parable of the Lost Sons ... that's right, sons. If you've read his most recent book, The Prodigal God, you already know where he's coming from here, but in this sermon Keller suggests some indicators that that can help all if us assess our motivation for pursuing God.
What are the marks that you don't really want God?
1. Getting incredibly angry when your life doesn't go well. Disappointment and sadness, fine, but when things don't go well ... , (you) get furious with life and God, which shows (you) believe God owes them.
2. How do you respond to criticism? When (you) get criticized, (you) either melt down or melt down the critics; (you) viciously counter-attack or get demolished.
3. (You) pray--but by and large, petitions. When things are going bad, you do a lot of praying; when things aren't, you almost stop. (You) don't enjoy God. There's not much contemplation, adoration, intimacy with God.
4. It's impossible for (you) not to be constantly loathing people. You've got to look down on others who seem lazy, if your self-image is based on (a) having the right doctrine or (b) working hard.
5. (You) can't forgive. If you stay angry and bitter, it's because you feel superior to them. "I would never do anything like that." You have to have a fair amount of pride to have bitterness.
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