Luke 15:25-28 NKJV
[25] “Now his older son was in the field. And as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. [26] So he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. [27] And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and because he has received him safe and sound, your father has killed the fatted calf.’ [28] “But he was angry and would not go in. Therefore his father came out and pleaded with him.
If relationship with his father had been the greatest desire of the older brother, he would have rejoiced to see his father restored to his other son. The joy that gave his father would have brought tears of joy to his own eyes. Furthermore, if this elder son had had any compassion for his brother, he also would have rejoiced at his return just like his father did. Instead, he was totally self-centered (that’s pride) and became angry. This illustrates Proverbs 13:10, which says, “Only by pride cometh contention.”
This elder brother was proud because he thought he was better than his younger brother, and we can’t love and respect someone we think is beneath us. Some people are better athletes than others. Some are better businessmen than others. Some are better speakers than others, and so forth. This is an ungodly comparison. (2 Cor. 10:12.) We need to recognize that our accomplishments don’t make us better—or worse—than others. God doesn’t value us or define us by what we do; He looks at our hearts and why we do what we do.
Better performance does not make a better person. A person’s character can be severely wanting even though their performance is good. A classic example of this was this older brother. He did all the right things for all the wrong reasons. Inside he was corrupt and selfish. He performed righteously to get his father’s favor and eventually his fortune.
Why do you do what you do? What is your real motivation for wanting to excel in some gift, talent, or skill? Today ask the Lord to show you any area of endeavor where you are doing the right thing for the wrong reason. If there is something, don’t get under condemnation for it! Just repent (change your mind and attitude), and move forward to do the right thing for the right reason.