Arthur Berry was an ingenious jewel thief before and after WW1.. He stole millions from the rich and famous. He joined the Army during WW1 and won the Silver Star but never received it because he went AWOL and returned to his “old job.” Berry was eventually caught and spent 18 years in prison. Years after his release from prison he was interviewed by news reporters. One asked him, “Do you remember whom it was that you stole the most from?” Berry replied, “The person that I stole the most from was Arthur Berry. I could have made a contribution to society. I could have been a teacher. I could have been a businessman. I could have done anything worthwhile, but instead I spent two-thirds of my adult life in prison. I have spent a lifetime robbing myself.”

We saw yesterday that a person robs himself when he is unforgiving. That is not the only way we can rob ourselves. We can rob ourselves of the life God intended by taking unwarranted, unethical, or unchristian shortcuts which lead to destruction.

The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) is excellent example of a wasted life. He wanted what he wanted right then and there. He wouldn’t wait on God’s timing and the proper moment to arrive. Jesus doesn’t say how long the son lived the wasted life, but it was at least long enough to squander his all.

Maybe you too are wasting your life. You are squandering what little you have and that which might have been as well. The only way to turn that around is do like the Prodigal Son. Come to your senses and return to the Father’s House. Jesus will give you a new life. He will give you eternal life.

Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me,” (John 14:6, NKJV). Jesus will give you a new life if you will repent and believe on Him!