Many times, parents of prodigal children are appalled by the squalor in which their prodigal children live. If you are one of those parents, you know I am not talking about the messy vs. tidy discussions, or neglecting doing the dishes for an evening, or oversight of crumbs on the floor, or slight unconcern for promptness in folding laundry, but true and pure squalor.

In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve were given the responsibility “to tend and keep” the garden (Genesis 2:15). It was a God-given directive. It was not part of the punishment for their sin, but God-given life responsibilities. It was part of being godly and walking in relationship with God.

The filth in which prodigals sometimes live is just another evidence of the bondage, another evidence of the condition of their hearts. It is a symptom, and it is more important to pray about the condition of their hearts than the symptoms we see. When their hearts are surrendered to and in love with the Lord, the symptoms will also change.

And remember, circumstances don’t change the promise!