My Answer: The story of the prodigal freshman
Q: I admit I had a good time in college and didn’t work very hard, but now all I can find is a dead-end job. I don’t have a question, but maybe you could urge people headed for college not to waste the opportunity like I did. — P. McC.
A: Thank you for your concern, and also your honesty. Right now, millions of high school seniors (and others) are thinking about college, and I hope they’ll learn from your example.
Why didn’t you take college more seriously? Only you can answer that, of course, but I suspect one reason was because you were away from home for the first time, and you were determined to enjoy your newfound freedom.
But freedom is dangerous if it’s not linked to wisdom and strong moral values. Do you remember Jesus’ story of the prodigal son? (You can read it in Luke 15:11-32.) He couldn’t wait to leave home, and once he did, he was determined to have as good a time as possible. But eventually his money ran out, and he was reduced to eating the same food the pigs ate. Instead of being free, he’d become a slave.
Jesus’ story doesn’t end there, however. Eventually, he realized the foolishness of his ways and returned home. He thought his father might reject him, but instead he joyfully welcomed him. The father said, “Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found” (Luke 15:23-24).
This parable is both a warning and a comfort — a warning of what happens when we leave God out of our lives, but also a comfort because of its promise of God’s forgiveness. Don’t waste your life any longer, but commit yourself to Christ and begin following him.
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Q: I had to go to church when I was young, but I always resented it and quit once I got older. Now I’m married with two small children, and my wife thinks we ought to start going to church for their sakes. But what’s to keep them from resenting it like I did? — M.M.
A: Have you ever asked yourself exactly why you resented having to go to church? Was it because you found it boring and wished you could be doing something else? Or was it because you simply didn’t like being told what to do — no matter what it was? And if you start going to church again, will you have the same feelings?
I ask this because your attitude (whatever it is) will inevitably influence your children. In other words, if you resent going to church, they’ll probably resent it also. Never forget, our children learn from our example, for better or worse.
But perhaps God is trying to get your attention, and he’s using this situation to do it. Right now, God means little to you; your disinterest in church is a sign of this. But God doesn’t want you to remain a stranger, and I pray you won’t. Instead, face honestly your need for Christ, and humbly open your life to him, for your sake and that of your family. The greatest tragedy any father can ever commit is to turn his children away from God.
Then ask God to lead you to a church where you’ll not only grow in your faith, but your children will look forward to going. Many churches have special programs for children that they’ll enjoy while learning about Jesus. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them” (Mark 10:14).
(Send your queries to “My Answer,” c/o Billy Graham, Billy Graham Evangelistic Assn., 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C., 28201; call 1-(877) 2-GRAHAM; or visit https://www.billygraham.org.)