The Lost Art of Repentance

How often we make excuses: I had a hard day at work, I have a headache, I didn’t get enough sleep last night, they were rude to me first, I was abused as a child, my parents were the same way so I just inherited it, everyone does it.  These things may be true, but God does not sympathize with sin . . . no matter what the cause or reason.  He is a compassionate God and understands our handicaps but He doesn’t want them to prevent us from living a victorious life. 

Sin separates us from God and quenches the Holy Spirit in our life.  There may be reasons for why we act a certain way but we can’t allow these to be our excuses.  We must cast down every imagination that sets itself up against God and take captive every thought and make it obedient to Jesus Christ.  We must be obedient in the small things before we will gain victory over the larger struggles in our life.  He who is faithful with little will be entrusted with much. 

We must get to the point that we are not content in our sin – it cannot be acceptable to us because it is not acceptable to God.  We are to be sanctified daily.  It’s one of the great lies of the enemy when he justifies our behavior that displeases the Lord.  This does not mean we walk in condemnation, but we must walk in surrender.  Scripture says, “Be holy therefore because I am holy.”  He will help us accomplish this if we simply acknowledge our sin and repent.  It is a process . . . but a beautiful one that leads us into victory.  We are deceiving ourselves to think it is better to remain the way we are – Christians are not to blend in with the world.  We should stand out as different.  If we were really walking in the truth of His Word, everyone would be drawn to us and want what we have.

Walk in integrity.  Let the Holy Spirit change you.  Though the process can be painful, you will soon find out it is life-giving.  Like an amputation that is required to save an individual’s life, the loss is painful but critical.  Let God cut away the dead and destructive things in your life.  Use your tongue for life and not death.  Let us say only that which is helpful for building each other up.

I have finally found a place where I want the Lord to chasten me.  I want His correction because I know greater peace and victory lie on the other side of my repentance.  The change that results is good for me and glorifies my maker.

Let’s not stop striving for perfection.  If we struggle with an unholy pattern of thought or behavior, let us pursue Him until He helps us change . . . and get whatever help we need to attain victory.  Our God is faithful.  He promises that “when we seek Him we will find Him IF we seek Him with all of our heart.”  He will never leave us or forsake us – no matter how many times we mess up, He will never give up on us.  His mercies are new every morning.  Let’s seek Him and not let go until we get a breakthrough . . . like Jacob did.  He wrestled with the angel and persevered, refusing to give up, so God blessed him.  Sometimes these encounters leave us with a limp but I’d rather encounter God and walk with a limp than operate in my own strength and fail.

Remember, “it’s His kindness that leads us to repentance.”  Any voice that brings shame is not from the Lord.  Allow Him to convict you and then respond to His leading, but do not allow the enemy to beat you up with a record of your past sins or continued failures.  The blood of Jesus purifies us; we are new creations in Christ, the old has gone and the new has come.

Continue to renew your mind daily with God’s Word and call upon His name and He will save you.  He will never fail you.  His voice is one of peace, so any voice that brings anxiety, doubt, or fear is not from Him.  Rest in the faithfulness of our God and look expectantly for His hand of blessing.  Remember that though the process may be painful, it is His pruning that leads us to bear much fruit.  Don’t settle for less than God’s best – don’t settle for the standards of this world.  God has more in mind for you – search Him until you find and attain your destiny in Christ.  This begins with repentance.  

Let’s stop making excuses.  Let’s throw off everything that hinders and entangles and run the race as if we are running to win the prize.  We may not be ready to run a marathon yet but let’s start training.  We may be sore and short of breath as we begin but we will get stronger as we go.  We are co-laborers with Christ so He will come along side us and give us the strength we need each day to overcome all obstacles.

Let the Lord have His way with you – you will never regret it.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” Matthew 5:6