Be like the prodigal son, come back with your smartphone in hand!


The famous parable of the prodigal son is given in Luke 15:10.

Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living…

We know the rest of the story. We are like this careless son in many ways. In this article, we aim to see ourselves in the life of the prodigal son in relation to the talents and skills given to us by our Father in heaven.

Sense of entitlement

Think of that ‘estate’ in the parable as the talents, skills, and resources entrusted to us by our Father. In some ways or another, we have that sense of entitlement to ask “give me what is due for me” as sons and daughters of Him.

Lord, I need this job and so please equip me with this and that” is our prayer. And once we have it, what do we do next? We serve ourselves, our families, and Him for some months or so, and then what?

What do we do with those talents after God nourished it? Do we go to “another country and squander it” again and again? or use it to help strengthen His Church and contribute to the proclamation of the three angels messages (Revelation 14:6-9)?

Not enough

The efforts of the pastors, elders, and regular volunteers are not enough. Personal and active total member involvement is what the church needs for the loud cry to commence.

Using those gifts to serve the world may give us fame, money, and friends. We know that all those are temporary. And as soon as we are empty due to human limited capabilities we are deemed useless, and destined to be abandoned and rejected. But our Father in heaven is always waiting for us with open arms.

Opportunities

There are plenty of opportunities in Thailand to share Jesus. At Bangkok International Church of Seventh-day Adventists, you are welcome to be one of the digital missionaries serving the Lord using your smartphone and the Internet. If you are living near the Thonglor BTS area, you can contact our friends at Trinity Adventist International Church through their Facebook page and join their Bible school for kids.

You can also visit the Yanhee Adventist Church and contribute to their multimedia ministry, or enjoy the beachside sunset worship and giving of religious tracts with the Pattaya Seventh-day Adventist Church. Get in touch with SALT (Service and Love Thailand) to participate in their regular visitations to the slum communities in Bangkok. These are only a few of the various groups and activities that you can join to be a blessing to others.

What’s in your hand?

What’s in your hand that you can use for God’s ministry: cellphone, laptop, car, drone, DSLR, GoPro, pencil, lesson plans, books, food, water, football, headset? That smartphone in the title above represents whatever is in our hand that we can use to help in spreading the love of God to the people surrounding us.

“The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.” Luke 10:2 NLT

You have been asked to work for His field. You have been given the talent, material blessings, and other resources. You know that time is near. Do you think it is now high time to be actively involved again?

Never hesitate to send us a message if the Holy Spirit is impressing you to serve Jesus once again!