Good Works Don't Always Get You What You Want

I think the older brother was confused and hurt by the actions of his father. While he worked day in and day out and did not receive what he thought he deserved, his younger brother was acting out and receiving attention. The older brother thought he could form a relationship by works alone- just like some Christians try to with God. However, it’s not enough just to be good. The difference between the younger brother and older brother is this: the older brother did everything that he thought was good, but forgot to show genuine love; the younger brother messed up, realized it, and showed true love and repentance- which is why, in the end, he was rewarded. The older brother thought that by doing good and completing work he could have a stable relationship with his father. In his eyes, because he did or said the right things, he was entitled to some kind of reward. However, he still did not have that personal relationship with his father. Just like the older brother, some Christians think that by doing good works alone they will get the reward of spending eternal life in Heaven. They are sadly mistaken. In order to spend eternal life with Him, one has to develop a personal relationship with Him. Then, because of the personal relationship, good works will follow.