Summary - One way we choose to live that misses life with God is living life for God. The older son in Jesus' parable of the lost son is the poster child for living life this way. Obedience, performance, fulfilling your responsibilities as the foundation for relationship with God, instead of living in the presence of and with our Father who loves us... no matter what. When we receive that love, we will be motivated and empowered to then live for God, but not as the foundation of our lives.
Life WITH God, not just FROM God - Emmanuel, God WITH Us Series #1
One of the names\titles associated with Jesus and Christmas is Emmanuel, which means God with us. Jesus came to bring us life with God, not just a life from God. An example of life from God is the younger son in Jesus' parable of the lost or prodigal son. This son didn't want relationship with his father, but just wanted what he could receive from his father. God wants more for us than this.