Parkway Church

Pride is a problem that sneaks in and shows itself at just the wrong time. Through the parable of the prodigal son, we see how pride surfaces and how we solve the pride problem in our lives.

The big brother had a big problem. He had a grace blockage. The father welcomed the pig farming waste of a brother home, but he wouldn't.

Grace is only hard to give if you are still keeping score. - Bob Goff

This is a story of sibling rivalry but a parable of pride. The story of keeping score and expecting the father to do the same.

The Problem of Pride

Pride distances us from others. Brother refused to go in.
Pride leads to comparison. Look at all that I have done.
Pride causes us to question God’s judgment. You never did this for me.
Pride prompts us to judge others. That Son who squandered everything.
Pride causes us to forget our blessings. You are with me, lack nothing.

Keeping Score
Reminding people of past mistakes. (Remember when you…)
Point out their sins while ignoring your own. (Why judge others by the outcome and judge ourselves based on intentions?)
They will never change. My faults are forgivable. Theirs aren’t.

Stop Keeping Score and Give Grace

Fight Entitlement: Entitled people are proud and expect others to do for them what is demanded.
Free from Bitterness: Don’t think too highly of yourself.
Fix Attitude: God’s grace isn’t fair and we should all THANK HIM for that!
Forgive Quickly: Value others’ needs above my own.