A Wasted Life

“This younger son packed all his belongings and moved to a distant land, and there he wasted all his money in wild living. About the time his money ran out, a great famine swept over the land, and he began to starve.” Luke 15:13-14 NLT

He was called “brilliant.” An “extraordinary person.” The winner of countless awards. The producer of major TV hits, he had earned more than $100 million in his career.

But because of a gambling addiction, he lost it all, more than $25 million in a period of eleven years. A colleague described him as a “devoted, very serious” gambler. Another colleague observed how he’d bet “thousands and thousands of dollars. He’d bet every race.” Asked how often he went to the races, the producer commented, “It depends on who I’m lying to. I have several different masks that I wear.”

Because of his massive debts, he owed millions in taxes. Just to makes ends meet, his wife had to sell their art, and hold garage sales. Once splitting time between two multi-million-dollar mansions, they were forced to move to a small rental property.

Some have had similar problems. According to recent studies, millions of Americans are gambling addicts, spending a cumulative $119 billion in 2013. Others have consumed their lives with other habits and obsessions. They have spent their time and money searching for pleasures that don’t last. That are like “chasing the wind” (Ecclesiastes 1:14).

Like the Prodigal Son, they have squandered their resources. But many, like the Prodigal Son, realize that God is merciful, ready to forgive and welcome back all who return to Him.

Don’t waste your life. The world offers many traps and deceptive promises. Make sure that you seek first God’s Kingdom. That you are a good steward of the resources He has given you. And remember: if you make mistakes, He is ready to welcome you home, and give you a new start—all through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

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Prayer: Father, I commit my time, talent, and treasure to You. Thank You for giving me joy and peace. Thank You for forgiveness, and for giving me a new start. In Jesus’ name. Amen.