Most of us do not get smaller physically as we get older, but it is possible for our spirits to shrivel as we age. This was the case of a man in Luke 15, known only as the "older son" (v. 25).

This older son grew up in a rather typical Jewish family. They were farmers.

There was a younger brother who rebelled at his position in the family and life, and he desired to try it on his own (v. 12). The father of these two sons was a gracious man and allowed the younger son to have his way.

The father arranged for the inheritance to be passed on early. The father could have censored the younger son for his attitude and actions, but he did not. He was relying on the hope that, though the young son would try some things, the values imparted to him in his upbringing would prevail.

The younger son was not wise and soon fell on hard times (vv. 13-16). His good sense finally prevailed, and he decided to humble himself and go home (vv. 17-20).

The father was a remarkable man. He did not search out his younger son but waited patiently for his return home. When the young son was in sight of the house, his father saw him, ran to meet him, and lavished great grace on him (vv. 20-24).

The father was a good man, and it was obvious that he had not grown "smaller" with age. His spirit was large and had capacity for forgiveness and restoration.

The younger son and the father are good examples to all of us of exercising humility (as in the case of the son) and mercy and grace (in the case of the father).

The member of the family who did not evidence a good spirit was the older son.

The father immediately called for a feast to celebrate the homecoming of the younger son (v. 23). The older son was not the first to be invited to the feast--he was out in the field working. When he approached the house and heard the sounds of festivities, he was angry (vv. 25-28).

The anger manifested by the older son at this occasion had likely been seething for some time. It is possible that he was placing his sense of well-being in his practice of hard work, accomplishment, and stature of being the elder son with all the benefits afforded in the Jewish culture.

The return of his younger brother and the response of the father threatened the position and security of the older son. Rather than being large in spirit and entering into the festivities when he heard his brother was home (v. 27), he recoiled in anger and shut himself off from the family.

The father was consistent in his expressions of grace and mercy. He left the party and came to talk to the older son (v. 28). The older son's anger erupted in hateful accusations and prideful assumptions (vv. 29-30). The older son had no capacity in his spirit for forgiveness, restoration, generosity, or hospitality. His spirit had shriveled within him, and he was a "smaller" man than he should have been at his age.

All of us make choices daily that will either make us larger in spirit or cause us to shrivel and become bitter and resentful. Every circumstance must be faced with the remembrance that God is in control, that we have no rights, and that we do not deserve anything. We must assume positively about people and receive them with grace and understanding, treating them like we wish to be treated.

Our goal in life must be to become more like Jesus Christ every day. Jesus loves and accepts us in spite of who we are and what we do. His Spirit living and working in us as believers will give us the grace to do likewise.