Many
people believe that repentance is a prayer; but that is only a small part of
the equation. Many religions on this earth involve prayers for every occasion.
However, a prayer does not save us. Neither do good intentions, new resolutions,
an action plan, or confession of our sins.
Repentance
also involves a change of focus and direction in life. Redemption is a
heart-change, a new focal point, more fulfilling aspirations in life, etc. If
we say a prayer, and our heart never changes from self-willed and self-centered
to God-centered and led by His will, then we are not Born Again.
If
we pray for repentance and our behavior, motives and attitude never change, we
merely recited a few good words that did not impact our eternal destination
(John 3:18). We confessed our sins, but our thoughts and behavior were not
converted.
We
did not make a commitment driven by Godly sorrow, a reverence for Him, and a
desire to live in holiness. Sin means "missing the mark" of the
target of holiness. When we have no desire to live holy in Christ Jesus (2
Timothy 3:12), we continue to miss the mark of salvation and truth.
True
repentance leads us to turn to God and away from sin. We admit our wrong
motives, behavior and attitudes to God and vow to cease from sinning. We
pattern our life after Biblical Principles rather than earthly ones (Philippians
2:12-13).
We
may make occasional mistakes and bad choices, but we no longer practice evil
exploits and live in a lifestyle of sin. We repent - walk away from sin - and
reverse the consequences of the wrongs that we did, if this is possible.
Prayer:
Father
God, help us to realize that we can know for sure that we now belong to You
rather than to our former father, the devil. Teach us to take a frequent
searching moral inventory to see where our affections lay (1 John 2:3-6). Are
we obeying Your Word, or are we a pretender who is living a lie? Are we growing
in our unity with You, and following after righteousness rather than carnality
and debauchery? Do we want to spend time communing with You and reading Your
Word?
Do
we live on this earth in the same way that Jesus did? Do we consult You for
Your will rather than living by our own goals and desires? Are we the same as
we have always been, or do we see holiness rising up within our heart, thoughts
and choices? Do we still live for our self, or do we pursue Your perfect plan
for us (Ephesians 2:10)? We want to be a new creation, birthed out of the
divine nature of Christ, and having His mind within us (1 Corinthians 2:16).
Thought
for the Day:
Should
we keep on sinning so God can keep showering us with His kindness and
forgiveness? Of course not, because our old sin-loving nature has passed away.
We entered into a love relationship with God, and we are adopted into His
family; once we enter into this relationship with Jesus Christ, His Spirit sets
us free from the chains of bondage to sin.
-
Romans 6:1-4
