True profit is not defined by the size of your bank account but by the depth of your relationships.
• Vs 12 - the younger bro was the Consumer / the older bro was the Producer.
• When you’re a producer you don’t have to focus on money - it will chase you down.
• The older bro got the inheritance without asking for it.
• The younger bro was entitled, which fueled his consumer mindset - “give me what’s MINE!”
• Vs 13 - a Consumer spends and is spent.
• A Producer spends and is energized. How?
• By what they spend on.
• Consumers purchase liabilities (takes money from you).
• Producers purchase assets (brings money to you).
• Vs 14-17 - he “came to his senses.” How?
• By having nothing with nobody to give him a handout.
• The minute he “had to work,” he came to his senses.
• Vs 18-21 - true repentance.
• He was now a Producer - he was willing to work for his money.
• He didn’t come back to ask for more.
• Vs 22-24 - God has a soft spot for repentant people.
• Vs 25a - the older brother was still a Producer - he was working in the field even though he was a wealthy man.
• Vs 25b-28 - the older bro was exposed for what was in his heart all along.
• He was rich financially but poor relationally. He had finances with no fulfillment.
• He had contempt in his heart toward his bro, and now it negatively affected his relationship with his dad.
• When your attitude toward someone is wrong it affects your relationship with God.
• Relationships are always more important than money.
• Vs 29-30 - The older bro shows us that no amount of money is more important than the approval of a father.
• Vs 31-32 - he coveted his dad’s compassion.
• He wanted his dad’s full attention, and with his brother gone he got it.
• The Result? He refused to go in to the party - he stood outside while the music played.
• His relationship with his dad and bro were broken.
• How do you think his money made him feel then?
• True profit is not defined by the size of your bank account but by the depth of your relationships.
