“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” John the Baptist’s ministry responsibility was to prepare the way for the coming Messiah. He was baptizing and calling people to repentance. Repentance is a foundational element of our relationship with God. The Greek definition of repent means to think differently or afterwards, i.e. reconsider (morally feel compunction). When we repent, we are no longer pursuing and excusing sin. I am in a season of repentance of an area of selfishness in my life. As God has exposed my sinful mindset, I had to agree with Him. I have been consuming my resources on my own lusts. I am disappointed that I have drifted so far away from where I once was.
While repentance is having a changed mind, it will be evident because of a change in our behaviors. As John the Baptist preached repentance, he told the people what they should do to repent. Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance…So the people asked him, saying, “What shall we do then?”He answered and said to them, “He who has two tunics, let him give to him who has none; and he who has food, let him do likewise.” Then tax collectors also came to be baptized, and said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Collect no more than what is appointed for you.” Likewise the soldiers asked him, saying, “And what shall we do?” So he said to them, “Do not intimidate anyone or accuse falsely, and be content with your wages” (Luke 3:8, 10-14). Repentance requires that we actively turn away from sin and turn to God’s way. Has your repentance produced fruit?
When we are baptized into this Christian faith, we repent and declare the death of our old nature. However, as we live this Christian life, we often hide the areas that we need to repent. Unfortunately, while we rightfully celebrate repentance among new converts, we scandalize it among more mature saints. Our lives should be constantly washed by the Word and examined by the Holy Spirit. We must humble ourselves and repent before our Father. While we are calling unbelievers into Christianity through faith and repentance, we must call each other into a closer walk with God through repentance. Is God calling you to repent in a particular area of your life? I pray that you will quickly change your mind, agree with God, and bring forth evidence of your repentance.
For more on being a doer of the Word, read Blissfully Ignorant.
Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section.
To receive new posts in your inbox, click Subscribe.
Copyright 2020 T.L. Lockley. All rights reserved.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
The Greek definition is from the Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible. Public Domain.
This gives me more to think about. I have been praying for God to show me where I need to repent and change my ways. I hope you have a blessed day.
Alicia,
You are not alone. As we walk with God, He continually shows us areas where we fall short. Be encouraged in your search for understanding and revelation as you are willing to be pruned for His glory.
Blessings,
T.L.