Why is it that the church is so good at attracting the self-righteous older brother we see in the story of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15)?
Timothy Keller, an author, speaker and pastor, has written an excellent book called Prodigal God, which discusses four marks of the older-brother syndrome.
1. Sense of Entitlement (v. 28)
The older brother uses his good works to try manipulate his Father, and then becomes angry! Why? Because his Father’s grace to his younger brother makes him feel his effort is worthless, “I’ve been working here, he’s been wasting money, if that’s how Father treats my good works I’m done!”
This attitude reflects our own self-righteousness. We try to manipulate God and think that he owes us. This attitude leads to anger at God or at ourselves. We’re angry at God because He didn’t give us what we’ve earned, or we’re angry at ourselves because we thought we could live up to the standard that earns God’s blessing.
2. Lack of Joy (v. 29)
The older brother thinks he’s a slave not a son! He’s not working out of a sense of joy for his Father, he’s not seeking his Father’s approval, he just wants his Fathers stuff.
When we serve Jesus without joy, it can be a sign that we have the heart of the older brother Serving God ought to be a delight not a duty!
3. Comparison based righteousness (v. 30)
The older brother is playing the comparison game, “Look at my work and his sin! All these years I serve you but he has squandered your property.”
If you find yourself trying to justify yourself before God, by comparing yourself to other people who’s sin you perceive to be worse than yours, you are lost in your religion. A judgmental spirit towards others often betrays this kind of heart.
4. Lack of assurance (v. 29)
How does the older brother know his Father loves him? He doesn’t! He has no assurance, “My Father didn’t even give me a goat!”
When righteousness is based on our effort, there is no assurance that we’re saved. The gospel is not about my effort, but the effort of Jesus Christ on my behalf. This truth is our assurance.
Examine your heart, is the older bother syndrome there? Do you see your need for the gospel? Humbly come to the Father, there is mercy and grace at the cross.