TOXIC PEOPLE

TOXIC PEOPLE!

Luke 15:14-16

14 And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.

15 And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.

16 And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.

           There are prodigals all around us. You know the kind. Everything they think is wrong and everything they do tends to trouble; either for themselves or those around them. They are toxic; poison! How did they get this way?

           The above scripture, of course, is a snapshot of the man we call “the prodigal son.” He had a loving father and a nurturing environment on the family farm. He was due to inherit a portion of it – but not quite half because his older brother would inherit more. Perhaps this was his aggravation! At any rate, he decided to cash in his portion and set off on his own.

           Toxic people are often selfish people. There is a swirling vortex of resources that ends with them. They are a black hole of consumption. They suck up riches and spit out poverty. They are takers and not givers. They are spenders and save not. They expect everything and contribute nothing.

           Toxic people are often foolish people. Ruin and debris are scattered all around them from the catastrophic results of foolish decisions. They test wall sockets with a screw driver! They try to put out fires with gasoline! They are almost comic in their foolishness. Those who befriend them are wounded. Those who are kin to them suffer pain.

           Toxic people are needy people. They are mobile because they ruin every home they find. They live in hovels, not because that is what they prefer, but because that is what every dwelling becomes. Life deteriorates around them while they blame others for their plight. They are void of accountability and shun responsibility. They cause others pain while they seek pleasure. In their final scene, no man gives unto them.

           Toxic people may still be rescued. They may “come to themselves.” Some Sunday school song may yet ring in their ears. Some poem or casual remark may trigger a remembrance of a life lived long ago. Even the “John 3:16” sign held aloft behind the goal posts during an extra point attempt goads them to change. In the end the misery far outweighs any pleasure they sought and the memory of golden days haunts them. They decide! They rise! They devise a speech of confession: “Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.” (Luke 15:21)

           Toxic people, who repent and return, may yet find a welcome. The father watches for them – seeing them afar off. The father will run to him and meet him. The shoes, the robe, and the ring were not rewards for wickedness. They were symbols of restoration. God, the Father, is ready to welcome you too.

           Are the circumstances of your life poison to you and those around you? Have you acted selfishly? Have you chosen foolishly? Won’t you “come to yourself” and come home to your Father? He’s waiting for you.

Dear Lord, I know the pain of my own foolishness and the pleasure of being welcomed home again. Thank you for your patience. Speak loudly and clearly to the prodigals today. AMEN