These realities have a life of their own—they influence us in profound ways shaped by our past experiences, social status, lifestyles, or lessons God has designed specifically for our growth. All these factors work together in God's providence to refine us and prepare us for future service and deeper intimacy with Him. It's always about relationship at the heart of everything. All the intellectual challenges and theological questions become secondary unless they lead us to transformation from within. Our outward behavior and understanding must flow from an internal change—an inward renewal that the Holy Spirit works in us. The most vital question we can ask ourselves, avoiding the trap of extremes, is: What is my chief desire? What do I long for most? Is it something other than my relationship with the Father? Because if it is, then all our efforts to be obedient or holy may be superficial or misguided. This calls for self-examination, but not in a way that makes the law our taskmaster. We are called to approach this with joy, not as a burdensome obligation we must force ourselves into, nor in our own strength. We are to pursue holiness, love others, and grow in Christ, but all of this flows from our union with Him, not from mere effort. Our love for others should stem from the overflow of God's love in our hearts, not from trying to earn approval or perform for God. We are often exhorted to obey, but each of us reacts differently based on our natural tendencies and ongoing struggles with sin. Despite these differences, the core truth remains simple: it all begins with how we think about God. Our perception of Him influences how we see ourselves. When we focus on His love and truth, the struggles with sin and the inward conflicts we face begin to fade. The more we experience and meditate on the Father’s love, the more balanced and free we become. That love sheds light on our trials and inner wars, bringing clarity and peace. Once we truly experience the Father's love, we find the freedom and stability to live in the truth, and our entire perspective shifts—leading us away from bondage and into fullness of life. I believe the main message of the story is to focus on our relationship with the Father. How do we see God? As a loving Father who welcomes us home, or as a harsh taskmaster who is waiting to punish us? If we see Him as distant, impersonal, or primarily judgmental, we may find ourselves seeking fulfillment elsewhere—living for worldly pleasures and temporary joys. This pursuit often leaves us empty, as true satisfaction only comes from being in a loving relationship with our Father. The core dilemma of the story of the Prodigal Son is really about our relationship with God, especially how we perceive Him. If we lean too far in one direction, we risk becoming hedonistic—living solely for pleasure and indulgence—ignoring God's holiness and our calling. On the other hand, if we swing to the opposite extreme, we may become legalistic, trying to earn God's favor through strict adherence to rules, which makes the Christian life burdensome and joyless. Both extremes distort the true nature of our walk with God and can hinder genuine relationship and growth. Despite the apparent complexity of these issues, the truth is surprisingly simple. We are already in a state of eternal life through our relationship with the Father, made possible by the Holy Spirit's work in regenerating us. We have been given new life—deep, genuine desires for God and His presence. Yet, because of remaining sin, we find ourselves in a continual war. It’s a battle to live in the reality of our relationship with the Father, to cling to the truth amid the distractions and temptations of the world and our own brokenness. In many ways, our greatest enemy isn’t any external object or person; it’s ourselves—how we perceive reality, how we interpret our circumstances, and how we view God and ourselves.