How To Avoid A Pity Party

“HOW TO AVOID A PITY PARTY”

By Dr. Tom Wallace

The Story Of The Prodigal’s Brother is one often missed by many preachers. Yet we find a great life lesson here about pouting and having a "pity party."

Luke 15:25 - 32 “ …and he was angry and would not go in.”

This is the Lost & Found Department of the Bible:

(Luke chapter 15)

*The Lost Sheep. (V.4)

*The Lost Coin. (V.8)

*The Lost Son. (V.11)

Let's Focus on the “The Other Son” at the end of this passage. Notice his characteristics: Angry, Bitter, Upset, Complaining, Stubborn, Pouting, Jealous, and Self Pity.

Lessons: By dwelling on the negative, he spoiled what he did have by thinking about what he did not have. He was pouting about something that was really stupid.

I. THE CURSE OF SELF PITY

1. Destroys our happiness. (v 28)

*He was angry and would not go in!

2. Destroys our usefulness. (v 28)

*He was needed in the harvest but instead he was a distraction!

3. Destroys our oneness. (v 30)

*As soon as this thy son was come.

II.THE CAUSE OF SELF PITY

1. Restricted Vision. (v.29)--“I, me, my”

*He could not see beyond self.

2. Distorted Values. (v.29)--“ never killed a kid for me ”

3. Outraged Virtue. (v.29) “ these many years have I served thee”

* It was really all his and he was working for himself. He was the first born son and under Jewish custom, he would receive a double portion of his father's inheritance.

III. THE CURE OF SELF PITY

1. Re-Assure Yourself Of Christ’s Abiding Presence. (v.31)

“ thou art ever with me” (Isa.26:3)

2. Reminder Yourself Of Christ’s Abundant Provision. (v.31)

“all I have is thine “ (I Pet.1:3)

3. Remember Christ Paid An Awful Price For You. (v.32)